Question 209838
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:
{{{(x^2)(x^3)=x^5}}}
#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:
{{{x^4/x^2=x^2}}}
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Apply these to your problem as follows:
{{{9x^4y^2/3x^2y^5}}}
Take the x term first:
{{{9x^2y^2/(3(2y^5))}}}
Simplifying a little more gives you:
{{{3x^2y^2/(2y^5)}}}
Now work on the y term. Notice that subtracting 5 from 2 gives you -3:
{{{3x^2y^(-3)}}}
This can be re-written as:
{{{highlight(3x^2/y^3)}}}
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Good Luck,
tutor_paul@yahoo.com