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 following#color(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#