Question

Please help me simplify this fraction. Or is it already in its simplest form?

Answer 1

1/(x^8)

Explanation:

Simplify by the following steps. To make it easier, I will expand them:

First, expand each of the powers out:

`(x^7)/(x^(15) ) = (x* x * x * x * x * x * x)/(x * x * x * x * x * x * x * x * x * x * x * x * x * x * x)`

When dividing with the same variables with different powers, you are effectively subtracting the powers. Your answer will look like:

`(x^7)/(x^(15)) = x^(7 - 15) = x^(-8)`

Next, simplify. Note that if there is a negative sign in the power, you must change the sign into a positive by flipping the fraction.

`x^(-8) = (1)/(x^(8) )`

1/(x^8) is your answer.

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Answer 2

1 / x^8

Explanation:

We know that a^b / a^c = a^ (b-c)

x^7 / x^ 15 = x^ (7-15) = x^-8

We also that that a^-b = 1/ a^b

x^-8 = 1 / x^8