How do you simplify # (2a^-3)(a^7b^-1)^3#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-06-19T21:03:49

The answer is #(2a^18)/b^3#. See the process below!

1. Distribute the exponent of 3 - multiply every exponent inside the parentheses by 3.

#(2a^-3)(a^21b^-3)#

2. Simplify by multiplying the same factors together.
Remember, when multiplying powers with the same base, you add the exponents.

#2a^18b^-3#

We should give answers with positive indices. So now

#(2a^18)/b^3#

That's your final answer!