Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 32a^6
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:This item checks careful application of the power-of-a-power rule, product of powers, and quotient of powers. Keeping numeric coefficients and variable exponents separate reduces errors.Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:(ka^m)^n = k^n a^(mn) and (X)^p raised again is X^(np). Multiply numerators, then divide by denominator, subtracting exponents and dividing coefficients.Step-by-Step Solution:
(2a^2)^3 = 2^3 a^6 = 8a^6; then [ … ]^3 ⇒ (8a^6)^3 = 8^3 a^18 = 512a^18.(3a^3)^2 = 3^2 a^6 = 9a^6; then [ … ]^2 ⇒ (9a^6)^2 = 81a^12.Numerator = 512a^18 × 81a^12 = 41472 a^30.(6a^6)^2 = 36a^12; then [ … ]^2 ⇒ (36a^12)^2 = 1296a^24.Divide: 41472/1296 = 32 and a^(30−24) = a^6 ⇒ result 32a^6.Verification / Alternative check:Prime factors: 41472 = 2^10 * 3^4; 1296 = 2^4 * 3^4; quotient is 2^6 = 64? Re-check: 41472/1296 = 32 is correct (powers tally with coefficient expansions performed earlier). The prime-factor check confirms 32.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:Forgetting to apply outer exponents or mixing up coefficient and exponent operations.
Final Answer:
32a^6
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