Problem 76 - Algebra 2

Question

PREREQUISITE SKILL. Simplify. Assume that no variable equals 0. $$ \frac{4 y^{5}}{2 y^{2}} $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The simplified expression is \(2y^{3}\).

Step 1: Simplify the Coefficient

Divide the coefficients in the numerator and the denominator. Here, the coefficient in the numerator is 4, and the coefficient in the denominator is 2. So, \( \frac{4}{2} = 2 \).

Step 2: Apply the Quotient Rule for Exponents

When dividing like bases, subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator. For the variable \( y \), the numerator has an exponent of 5, and the denominator has an exponent of 2.Apply the rule: \( y^{5-2} = y^{3} \).

Step 3: Combine Results

Combine the simplified coefficient from Step 1 and the simplified variable expression from Step 2.The expression becomes: \[ 2y^{3} \]

Key Concepts

Simplifying Expressions

Simplifying expressions is all about making mathematical expressions easier to work with, without changing their value. This concept is crucial for making calculations easier and solving algebraic equations more efficiently. To simplify an expression, you strive to reduce it to its simplest form, just like tidying a room to make it pleasant and easy to navigate.

When you simplify, you focus on:

• Removing unnecessary components
• Combining like terms
• Breaking down fractions and complex expressions

Consider the expression \(\frac{4y^{5}}{2y^{2}}\). You simplify this by dealing with the numbers (coefficients) and the variables separately, turning the expression into a much cleaner form, \(2y^{3}\). As you see, simplifying involves applying mathematical properties like the quotient rule for exponents and coefficient division, which makes a complicated expression more straightforward.

Quotient Rule for Exponents

The quotient rule for exponents is an essential tool when you are simplifying expressions involving powers. This rule helps manage expressions with the same base being divided. Instead of multiplying or messing with coefficients, the rule only affects the exponents of like terms.

The rule states:

"When dividing exponential terms with the same base, subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator."

It's expressed as: \[\frac{x^{m}}{x^{n}} = x^{m-n}\]

In the original exercise, applying the quotient rule to \(\frac{4y^{5}}{2y^{2}}\) requires that you take 5 (the exponent of \(y\) in the numerator) and subtract 2 (the exponent of \(y\) in the denominator). This results in \(y^{3}\). Remember, this rule is only applicable when dealing with like bases.

Coefficient Division

Coefficient division involves dividing the numerical part of terms when simplifying expressions. These numbers multiply the variables (the letters in an expression). In an algebraic expression, coefficients can be thought of as the 'size' or 'amount' of each term.

For example, in the expression \(\frac{4y^{5}}{2y^{2}}\), the coefficients are 4 and 2. You divide the numerator coefficient (4) by the denominator coefficient (2), which simplifies to the number 2, making it the coefficient for the final expression \(2y^{3}\).

This step is straightforward:

• Take the numbers directly in front of the variables
• Divide the top number by the bottom number

It's crucial to complete coefficient division before you tackle exponents to maintain the expression's structure and balance. Applying these techniques results in a simplified expression, more manageable in further calculations or solutions.