To simplify the expression
Breakdown:
-
Property of Negative Exponents:
- Recall that
. Thus, . - However, you can also rewrite
as which helps in the next step.
- Recall that
-
Product Rule of Exponents:
- The rule states that
. - Applying this to our expression
:
- The rule states that
Conclusion:
Both the Property of Negative Exponents (which allows the conversion from a negative exponent) and the Product Rule of Exponents (which handles the division of exponentials) were used.
Thus, the correct answer is:
the Property of Negative Exponents and the Product Rule of Exponents.