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Section 6.3 Deliberate Practice: Exponents

Algebra is a skill, which means it requires practice to become proficient. But it will take more than rote repetition to get there. Deliberate practice is the thoughtful repetition of a task. For each of these sections, you will be given a list of specific skills or ideas to focus on as you practice thinking through the problems.

Focus on these skills:

  • Write the original expression.

  • Imagine writing out the various groupings of the variables to reinforce the specific concepts that connect to the formulas.

  • Pay close attention to the interplay between negative exponents and fractions.

  • Present your work legibly.

Worksheet Worksheet

Instructions: Simplify the expression, expressing your final answer without fractions.

1.

Simplify \(x^3 \cdot x^6 \cdot x^{-5}\text{.}\)

2.

Simplify \(\left( a^{-4} \right)^3 \cdot a^2\text{.}\)

3.

Simplify \(m^3 \cdot m^2 \cdot m^{-5}\text{.}\)

4.

Simplify \(s^2 \cdot \left( s^3 \right)^{-1}\text{.}\)

5.

Simplify \(y^{-3} \cdot y^6 \cdot y^{-4}\text{.}\)

6.

Simplify \((n^3 \cdot n^2)^{-2} \cdot n^4\text{.}\)

7.

Simplify \(\dfrac{b^3 \cdot b^5}{b^5}\text{.}\)

8.

Simplify \(\dfrac{p^4 \cdot p^3}{\left( p^2 \right)^3}\text{.}\)

9.

Simplify \(\dfrac{v^{-2} \cdot \left( v^3 \right)^2}{v^3 \cdot v^{-1}}\text{.}\)

10.

Simplify \(\dfrac{\left( z^{-3} \right)^{-2} \cdot z^4}{z^2 \cdot \left( z^{-3} \right)^{-2}} \text{.}\)