Join the IDNLearn.com community and get your questions answered by experts. Our community provides timely and precise responses to help you understand and solve any issue you face.

Which expression is equivalent to [tex] \frac{b^{-2}}{a b^{-3}} [/tex]? Assume [tex] a \neq 0, b \neq 0 [/tex].

A. [tex] \frac{a}{b^5} [/tex]

B. [tex] \frac{1}{a b^5} [/tex]

C. [tex] \frac{a^3 b}{1} [/tex]

D. [tex] \frac{b}{a} [/tex]


Sagot :

To simplify the expression [tex]\(\frac{b^{-2}}{a b^{-3}}\)[/tex], let's go through the steps:

1. Rewrite the Expression:
The given expression is [tex]\(\frac{b^{-2}}{a b^{-3}}\)[/tex].

2. Separate the Fractions:
We can break it down to make it easier to handle:
[tex]\[ \frac{b^{-2}}{a b^{-3}} = \frac{b^{-2}}{a} \cdot \frac{1}{b^{-3}} \][/tex]

3. Simplify Each Part:
Next, we handle the fractions individually:
[tex]\[ \frac{b^{-2}}{a} \cdot \frac{1}{b^{-3}} \][/tex]

4. Apply the Laws of Exponents:
Recall that [tex]\(\frac{1}{b^{-3}} = b^{3}\)[/tex]. So the expression now is:
[tex]\[ \frac{b^{-2}}{a} \cdot b^{3} \][/tex]

5. Combine the Exponents:
Using the laws of exponents [tex]\(\frac{b^m}{b^n} = b^{m-n}\)[/tex], we get:
[tex]\[ b^{-2 + 3} = b^{1} = b \][/tex]

6. Rewrite the Expression:
Combining all the parts, we have:
[tex]\[ \frac{b}{a} \][/tex]

Therefore, the equivalent expression to [tex]\(\frac{b^{-2}}{a b^{-3}}\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{\frac{b}{a}} \][/tex]