Simplifying Exponents

Question

(x^1/2 y) ^3 The terms are all in parenthesis and the exponent lies outside.

-----------

(y^1/2)

y^3 x^3/2 x^3/2

------------- I am told the answer is: ----------

y^3/2 y^3/2

I am confused as to where the y^3 went from the numerator.

Answer 1

It is not clear from the wording of the question if you meant to say

(x^1/2y)³ / y^1/2

or

(x^1/2y / y^1/2)³

The way the expression is typed, it means the first expression. But the wording suggests the second expression. Clarify this, and I will be glad to work the problem for you.