Question

The following expression has been simplified as follows:
(12a^-3b^4)^-2
= 1/144a^-5b^2
=b^2/(144a^5
a. What did the student do wrong? Why do you think the student made this error?

b. Solve the problem correctly. ​Make sure to show all work!

Answer 1

simply: \[\left(12a^{-3}b^4\right)^{-2}=\frac{1}{\left(12a^{-3}b^4\right)^2}\]

Answer 2

then you simplify more\[\frac{1}{\frac{144b^8}{a^6}}\]

Answer 3

And apply the rule of fractions. so this is what you intially get here\[=\frac{a^6}{144b^8}\]

Answer 4

Look back at that work and see what the student did wrong. Do you know what they did wrong?

Answer 5

they added the -2 to -3 and 4

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

ok