Question

Evaluate the expression. Write fractions in simplest form. $$ \frac{(-3)^{9}}{(-3)^{9}} $$

Short answer

1

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Expression

Look at the expression, \(\frac{(-3)^{9}}{(-3)^{9}}\). The numerator and denominator are equal. According to the rules of exponents, any number (except for zero) to an exponent divided by the same number with the same exponent equals one.

Apply the Rules of Exponents

\(\frac{(-3)^{9}}{(-3)^{9}}\) simplifies to 1.

Write the Answer in Simplest Form

The answer, 1, is already in simplest form and cannot be simplified further.

Key concepts

Rules of Exponents

When simplifying algebraic expressions, understanding the rules of exponents is crucial. These rules tell us how to handle multiplication, division, power to a power, and other operations involving exponents. Let’s look at one of the primary rules relevant to our exercise: the division rule for exponents.

When dividing expressions that have the same base, we subtract the exponents. If we have \( a^m / a^n \), where \( a \) is any non-zero number, and \( m \) and \( n \) are exponents, the rule tells us that \( a^m / a^n = a^{m-n} \). However, when \( m \) equals \( n \) as in our example \( (-3)^9 / (-3)^9 \), the rule simplifies to \( a^{m-n} = a^0 \), which equals to 1, since any non-zero number raised to the power of zero is one. This concept applies universally across all non-zero numbers, making it an essential rule for algebraic simplification.

Simplest Form in Algebra

Expressing algebraic terms in their simplest form is fundamental. But what does 'simplest form' really mean? It implies that the expression cannot be further simplified by factoring, reducing fractions, or applying mathematical operations. The simplest form of an expression makes it more understandable and facilitates comparison with other expressions.

Using our exercise example, \(\frac{(-3)^{9}}{(-3)^{9}}\) simplifies to 1. The number 1 is already in its simplest form; no factors can be removed, and it serves as the multiplicative identity in algebra. This means that multiplying any number by 1 leaves the original number unchanged - a fundamental property utilized in simplifying expressions. Recognizing when an expression is in its simplest form is equally important as the process of simplification.

Evaluating Expressions

Evaluating expressions is one of the pillar skills in algebra. It involves substituting numbers for variables and performing the operations according to the rules of arithmetic and algebra. To accurately evaluate an expression, you must follow the proper order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division from left to right, Addition, and Subtraction from left to right).

In this problem, evaluating the expression \(\frac{(-3)^{9}}{(-3)^{9}}\) requires understanding that the exponents are applied first, and then the division. Since the numerator and denominator are identical, the evaluation simplifies to 1. Practice in evaluating expressions enhances a student's ability to work with formulas, functions, and equations, all of which are vital for higher-level mathematics and real-world problem-solving.