How do you simplify (3xy^4)/(9xy) using only positive exponents?

2 Answers
Apr 19, 2016

y^3/3 " or " 1/3 y^3

Explanation:

Using the followingcolor(blue)" rules of exponents "

• a^m/a^n = a^(m-n)

(3xy^4)/(9xy) = 3/9xx x/x xxy^4/y^1

= 1/3 xx 1 xx y^(4-1)= 1/3 y^3

Apr 19, 2016

y^3/3

Explanation:

You can separate the numerator and the denominator into three separate terms:
(3 times x times y^4)/(9 times x times y)

This will help you to divide the terms that are in like terms (such as 3 and 9, the two x's, and y^4 and y).

Important Key Concepts To Note:

  • remember the quotient rule in exponents.
    x^b/x^a = x^{b - a}
  • Terms that have no exponents with them, there's always an invisible "1" as the exponent.
    a = a^1

Let's separate the terms and divide:
3/9 times x^1/x^1 times y^4/y^1
= 1/3 times 1 times y^3 which is the same thing as y^3/3

Answer: = y^3/3