SOLUTION: I need to simplify this expression: 9x^4y^2/3x^2y^5 using positive exponents and I have tried everything and still can't get an answer that makes sense. What is the technique to an

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Question 209838: I need to simplify this expression: 9x^4y^2/3x^2y^5 using positive exponents and I have tried everything and still can't get an answer that makes sense. What is the technique to answer the question?
Answer by tutor_paul(519) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The technique of simplifying exponents is cases like this boils down to 2 methods:
#1 Multiplying: When two terms have the same base and are multiplied together, the rule is to keep the base and add the exponents. For example:

#2 Dividing: When two terms have the same base and are divided, the rule is to keep the base and subtract the exponents. For example:

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Apply these to your problem as follows:

Take the x term first:

Simplifying a little more gives you:

Now work on the y term. Notice that subtracting 5 from 2 gives you -3:

This can be re-written as:

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Good Luck,
tutor_paul@yahoo.com