Question

Which could be the first step in simplifying this expression? Check all that apply. (x Superscript negative 18 Baseline) squared (x Superscript negative 3 Baseline) squared (x Superscript negative 2 Baseline) squared x Superscript 6 Baseline x Superscript negative 12 Baseline x Superscript 5 Baseline x Superscript negative 4

Answer 1

Answer:

$x^6x^{-12}$ and $(x^{-3})^2$

Explanation:

Given

$(x^3x^{-6})^2$

Required

Possible Next Step

Open Bracket;

From law of indices; $(a^m)^n = a^{mn}$

This implies that

$(x^3x^{-6})^2 = (x^{3*2}x^{-6*2})$

$(x^3x^{-6})^2 = x^{6}x^{-12}$

Hence, a possible next step is $x^6x^{-12}$

Another possible step is as follows

$(x^3x^{-6})^2$

From law of indices; $a^m*a^n = a^{m+n}$

This implies that

$(x^3x^{-6})^2 = (x^{3+(-6)})^2$

$(x^3x^{-6})^2 = (x^{3-6})^2$

$(x^3x^{-6})^2 = (x^{-3})^2$

Hence, a possible next step is $(x^{-3})^2$