Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Simplify the expression using exponent rules. −4b712b11
A
−3b18
B
−3b−18
C
−3b4
D
−3b−4
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Start by simplifying the fraction \(-\frac{12b^{11}}{4b^7}\). Use the quotient rule for exponents, which states \(\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}\), to simplify the powers of \(b\). Divide the coefficients \(-12\) and \(4\) to get \(-3\), and subtract the exponents \(11 - 7\) to get \(b^4\). The result is \(-3b^4\).
Step 2: Combine the simplified term \(-3b^4\) with the other terms in the expression: \(-3b^{18}\) and \(-3b^{-18}\).
Step 3: Notice that the terms \(-3b^{18}\) and \(-3b^{-18}\) are separate and do not combine with \(-3b^4\) because they have different exponents. Each term remains distinct unless further operations are specified.
Step 4: If the problem asks for the correct answer to match \(-3b^4\) or \(-3b^{-4}\), verify that the simplified term \(-3b^4\) aligns with the given solution. The other terms \(-3b^{18}\) and \(-3b^{-18}\) are not part of the final simplified expression.
Step 5: Conclude that the simplified expression is \(-3b^4\), as it matches the correct answer provided in the problem.