Question

Tyna simplified the expression 3x^3/12x^-2 to x/4. What was Tyna’s mistake?

Answer 1

B) She added the exponents instead of subtracting them.

Answer 2

We are given expression:
`(3x^3)/(12x^(-2))`.

Tyna simplified the given expression to
`(x)/(4)`.

Explanation: In order to simplify
`(3x^3)/(12x^(-2))`, Tyna need to simplify rational expression
`(3)/(12)`.

On dividing top and bottom by 3, we get
`(1)/(4)`.

Which Tyna got correct.

Now she need to simplify
`(x^3)/(x^(-2))`.

On applying quotient rule of exponents, we need to subtract the exponents of x's.

So, it would be
`\frac{x^3}{y^-{2}} = x^3-{-2} = x^(3+2) = x^5`.

So, the final answer should be
`(x^5)/(4)`.

Therefore, Tyan forgot to add exponent to x.

The exponent of x should be 5.