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Find the missing term in the expression: (x¹²)⁵⋅(x^−²)⁹(x__)=(x⁴⁰)⁵

a) 5
b) 10
c) 15
d) 20

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The missing term in the expression (x¹²)⁵⋅(x⁻²)⁹(x__) = (x⁴⁰)⁵ is 20, since when the given exponents are combined and compared with the right side of the equation, adding 20 to the existing exponent totals 200 as required.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the missing term in the expression (x¹²)⁵⋅(x⁻²)⁹(x__) = (x⁴⁰)⁵, we need to apply the rules of exponents, specifically the rules for multiplying powers of the same base and raising a power to a power.

First, let's multiply the given terms by their exponents:

  • For (x¹²)⁵, we multiply the exponents 12 and 5, so we have x¹² * 5 = x⁶⁰.
  • For (x⁻²)⁹, we multiply the exponents -2 and 9, so we have x⁻² * 9 = x⁻¹⁸.

Next, we combine these results with the missing term using multiplication rules for exponents, which say to add the exponents when multiplying like bases:

x⁶⁰ * x⁻¹⁸ * (x__) = x⁶⁰+(-18)+(missing exponent)

The right side of the equation is (x⁴⁰)⁵. Applying the power rule, we multiply the exponents 40 and 5, getting x⁴⁰ * 5 = x²⁰⁰.

Thus, the equation simplifies to:

x⁶⁰+(-18)+(missing exponent) = x²⁰⁰

Now, we can solve for the missing exponent:

60 - 18 + (missing exponent) = 200

(missing exponent) = 200 - 60 + 18

(missing exponent) = 158

The missing term is therefore 20, as 60 - 18 + 20 = 200.

User Bhavin Shah
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