Question

Michael’s weight can be represented by the expression 72x^5. Al’s weight can be represented by the expression 9x^7.

(a) What is the ratio of Michael’s weight to Al’s weight?

Answer:

(b) Simplify the ratio from part a.

Answer:

(c) If the exponents in each expression were negative, instead of positive, would that change your answer for part b? Explain why or why not.

Answer:

Answer 1

a)
`(72x^5)/(9x^7)`

b)
`=(8)/(x^2)`

c), Yes;
`8x^2`

Explanation:

Michael's Weight:
`72x^5`

Al's weight:
`9x^7`

a) Ratio of Michael's weight to Al's weight:
`(72x^5)/(9x^7)`

b) This ratio simplifies to:
`(8* 9x^5)/(9x^5*x^2)`

`=(8)/(x^2)`

c) Yes, If the exponent in each expression were negative, then we have:

Ratio of Michael's weight to Al's weight:
`(72x^(-5))/(9x^(-7))`

This ratio simplifies to:
`8x^(-5--7)=8x^2`

The two ratios are not the same.