How do you multiply #y^ { \frac { 1} { 5} } y ^ { - \frac { 1} { 2} } y ^ { \frac { 1} { 4} }#?

1 Answer
EZ as pi
Feb 18, 2017

#=y^(-1/20) " "=" "1/y^(1/20)" "=" "1/root(20)y#

Explanation:

Although this looks complicated - it is no different from the basics of algebra. If you are multiplying and the bases are the same, you add the indices:

#x^3 xx x^4 xx x^-2#

#=x^(3+4-2) = x^5#

In this case, the bases are all #y#, so just add the indices, using fraction rules and finding the LCD.

#y^(1/5) xx y^(-1/2) xx y^(1/4)#

#=y^((4-10+5)/20)#

#=y^(-1/20) " = "1/y^(1/20)" "=" "1/root(20)x#

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