Questions: Use the relevant properties of exponents to simplify the following expression such that each base is only represented once and your answer only has positive exponents.
x^4 y^7 z^0 / x^9 y^4
Transcript text: Use the relevant properties of exponents to simplify the following expression such that each base is only represented once and your answer only has positive exponents.
\[
\frac{x^{4} y^{7} z^{0}}{x^{9} y^{4}}
\]
Solution
Solution Steps
To simplify the given expression, we will use the properties of exponents. Specifically, we will apply the quotient rule, which states that when dividing like bases, we subtract the exponents. We will also use the fact that any number raised to the power of zero is one, which allows us to eliminate \( z^0 \).
Step 1: Write the Original Expression
We start with the expression:
\[
\frac{x^{4} y^{7} z^{0}}{x^{9} y^{4}}
\]
Step 2: Apply the Properties of Exponents
Using the property that \( z^{0} = 1 \), we can simplify the expression to:
\[
\frac{x^{4} y^{7}}{x^{9} y^{4}}
\]
Step 3: Simplify Each Base
Now, we apply the quotient rule for exponents:
For the base \( x \):
\[
\frac{x^{4}}{x^{9}} = x^{4-9} = x^{-5}
\]
For the base \( y \):
\[
\frac{y^{7}}{y^{4}} = y^{7-4} = y^{3}
\]
Step 4: Combine the Results
Combining the results, we have:
\[
\frac{y^{3}}{x^{5}} = y^{3} x^{-5}
\]
Step 5: Express with Positive Exponents
To express the final result with only positive exponents, we rewrite \( x^{-5} \) as \( \frac{1}{x^{5}} \):
\[
\frac{y^{3}}{x^{5}}
\]
Final Answer
Thus, the simplified expression is:
\[
\boxed{\frac{y^{3}}{x^{5}}}
\]