SOLUTION: ahhmmm... im not really good at this... I'm just confused in law of exponents.. for example: 12a to the 3rd power.. over 4b to the 2nd power.... or,, (16a)to the 2nd power or

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: ahhmmm... im not really good at this... I'm just confused in law of exponents.. for example: 12a to the 3rd power.. over 4b to the 2nd power.... or,, (16a)to the 2nd power or      Log On


   

Question 237216: ahhmmm... im not really good at this... I'm just confused in law of exponents..
for example: 12a to the 3rd power.. over 4b to the 2nd power.... or,, (16a)to the 2nd power or (16a)cube... its very difficult,, pls. give me some tips or tell me whats the rules in solving those problems.. I hope you really answer my question... Im only 13 yrs old,, and im not a fast learner..
thank you Patty.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
12a to the 3rd power.. over 4b to the 2nd power.
%2812a%5E3%29%2F%284b%5E2%29
All you can do here is cancel the 4 into the 12
%283a%5E3%29%2F%28b%5E2%29
a & b are unlike terms, so that's all you can do with it
:
(16a)to the 2nd power over (16a)cube.
%2816a%5E2%29%2F%2816a%5E3%29
First 16/16 is one so they cancel and you have
a%5E2%2Fa%5E3
When you divide like terms you subtract the exponents, in this one
1%2Fa%5E%283-2%29 = 1%2Fa%5E1 which is just 1%2Fa
:
The other rules are simple
when you multiply like terms you add the exponent ex: a^5 * a^2 = a^7
When you raise one power to another power you multiply exponents: ex (a^4)^2 = a^8