Select the correct answer.

Which expression is equivalent to the given expression? Assume the denominator does not equal zero. [tex]\frac{12 x^2 y^4}{6 x^1 y^2}[/tex]

A. [tex]2 x^3 y^2[/tex]
B. [tex]\frac{2}{x^2 y^2}[/tex]
C. [tex]\frac{2}{x^1 y^3}[/tex]
D. [tex]2 x^6 y^2[/tex]



Answer :

To find an expression equivalent to [tex]\(\frac{12 x^2 y^4}{6 x^1 y^2}\)[/tex], we need to simplify the fraction step-by-step. Let's start by breaking down the numerator and the denominator:

[tex]\[ \text{Numerator} = 12x^2y^4 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ \text{Denominator} = 6xy^2 \][/tex]

We can simplify the numerical coefficients first:

[tex]\[ \frac{12}{6} = 2 \][/tex]

Next, simplify the [tex]\(x\)[/tex] terms. When dividing exponential terms with the same base, subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator:

[tex]\[ x^2/x = x^{2-1} = x^1 = x \][/tex]

Now, simplify the [tex]\(y\)[/tex] terms using the same rule for exponents:

[tex]\[ y^4/y^2 = y^{4-2} = y^2 \][/tex]

Putting these simplified components together, we get:

[tex]\[ 2 \cdot x \cdot y^2 = 2xy^2 \][/tex]

Therefore, the expression [tex]\(\frac{12 x^2 y^4}{6 x y^2}\)[/tex] simplifies to:

[tex]\[ 2xy^2 \][/tex]

Hence, the correct answer is:

A. [tex]\( 2 x y^2 \)[/tex]