How to Apply the Power Rule of Exponents

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 85 views

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Understanding the Problem

The given expression is $\left(\frac{-2 r^3 s^7}{r}\right)^3$ . Our goal is to simplify this expression and choose the correct answer from the options provided.

Step 1: Simplify the Expression Inside the Parentheses

To simplify the expression, we need to start by simplifying the expression inside the parentheses. We can do this by canceling out the common factors in the numerator and denominator.

$\left(\frac{-2 r^3 s^7}{r}\right)^3$

We can cancel out the common factor of $r$ in the numerator and denominator, which leaves us with:

$\left(-2 r^2 s^7\right)^3$

Step 2: Apply the Power Rule of Exponents

Now that we have simplified the expression inside the parentheses, we can apply the power rule of exponents to simplify the expression further.

The power rule of exponents states that for any numbers $a$ and $b$ and any integer $n$ , $(ab)^n = a^nb^n$ .

Using this rule, we can rewrite the expression as:

$(-2)^3 (r^2)^3 (s^7)^3$

Step 3: Simplify the Expression Using the Power Rule

Now that we have applied the power rule of exponents, we can simplify the expression further.

$(-2)^3 (r^2)^3 (s^7)^3$

Using the power rule, we can rewrite the expression as:

$-8 r^6 s^{21}$

Conclusion

After simplifying the expression, we can see that the correct answer is:

$\boxed{-8 r^6 s^{21}}$

This is option C.

Why is This the Correct Answer?

This is the correct answer because we simplified the expression using the power rule of exponents, which states that for any numbers $a$ and $b$ and any integer $n$ , $(ab)^n = a^nb^n$ .

We also canceled out the common factor of $r$ in the numerator and denominator, which left us with the simplified expression.

What is the Power Rule of Exponents?

The power rule of exponents states that for any numbers $a$ and $b$ and any integer $n$ , $(ab)^n = a^nb^n$ .

This rule allows us to simplify expressions by rewriting them in a more convenient form.

How to Apply the Power Rule of Exponents

To apply the power rule of exponents, we need to follow these steps:

Simplify the expression inside the parentheses.
Apply the power rule of exponents to simplify the expression further.
Simplify the expression using the power rule.

By following these steps, we can simplify expressions and choose the correct answer from the options provided.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When simplifying expressions, there are several common mistakes to avoid.

Not canceling out common factors in the numerator and denominator.
Not applying the power rule of exponents correctly.
Not simplifying the expression using the power rule.

By avoiding these common mistakes, we can simplify expressions correctly and choose the correct answer from the options provided.

Final Answer

The final answer is:

$\boxed{-8 r^6 s^{21}}$

This is option C.

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Understanding the Problem

The given expression is $\left(\frac{-2 r^3 s^7}{r}\right)^3$ . Our goal is to simplify this expression and choose the correct answer from the options provided.

Step 1: Simplify the Expression Inside the Parentheses

To simplify the expression, we need to start by simplifying the expression inside the parentheses. We can do this by canceling out the common factors in the numerator and denominator.

$\left(\frac{-2 r^3 s^7}{r}\right)^3$

We can cancel out the common factor of $r$ in the numerator and denominator, which leaves us with:

$\left(-2 r^2 s^7\right)^3$

Step 2: Apply the Power Rule of Exponents

Now that we have simplified the expression inside the parentheses, we can apply the power rule of exponents to simplify the expression further.

The power rule of exponents states that for any numbers $a$ and $b$ and any integer $n$ , $(ab)^n = a^nb^n$ .

Using this rule, we can rewrite the expression as:

$(-2)^3 (r^2)^3 (s^7)^3$

Step 3: Simplify the Expression Using the Power Rule

Now that we have applied the power rule of exponents, we can simplify the expression further.

$(-2)^3 (r^2)^3 (s^7)^3$

Using the power rule, we can rewrite the expression as:

$-8 r^6 s^{21}$

Conclusion

After simplifying the expression, we can see that the correct answer is:

$\boxed{-8 r^6 s^{21}}$

This is option C.

Q&A

Q: What is the power rule of exponents?

A: The power rule of exponents states that for any numbers $a$ and $b$ and any integer $n$ , $(ab)^n = a^nb^n$ .

Q: How do I apply the power rule of exponents?

A: To apply the power rule of exponents, you need to follow these steps:

Simplify the expression inside the parentheses.
Apply the power rule of exponents to simplify the expression further.
Simplify the expression using the power rule.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying expressions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying expressions include:

Not canceling out common factors in the numerator and denominator.
Not applying the power rule of exponents correctly.
Not simplifying the expression using the power rule.

Q: How do I choose the correct answer from the options provided?

A: To choose the correct answer from the options provided, you need to follow these steps:

Simplify the expression using the power rule.
Compare the simplified expression with the options provided.
Choose the option that matches the simplified expression.

Q: What is the final answer?

A: The final answer is:

$\boxed{-8 r^6 s^{21}}$

This is option C.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Tip 1: Simplify the Expression Inside the Parentheses

When simplifying expressions, it's essential to start by simplifying the expression inside the parentheses. This will make it easier to apply the power rule of exponents and simplify the expression further.

Tip 2: Apply the Power Rule of Exponents Correctly

When applying the power rule of exponents, make sure to follow the correct steps. This will ensure that you simplify the expression correctly and choose the correct answer from the options provided.

Tip 3: Simplify the Expression Using the Power Rule

When simplifying the expression using the power rule, make sure to apply the rule correctly. This will ensure that you simplify the expression correctly and choose the correct answer from the options provided.

Conclusion

In conclusion, simplifying expressions using the power rule of exponents is a crucial skill to master. By following the steps outlined in this article and avoiding common mistakes, you can simplify expressions correctly and choose the correct answer from the options provided. Remember to simplify the expression inside the parentheses, apply the power rule of exponents correctly, and simplify the expression using the power rule. With practice and patience, you'll become a pro at simplifying expressions in no time!