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To simplify the expression \( y^{-9} \cdot y^{-3} \cdot y^{-5} \), you can use the property of exponents that states when you multiply like bases, you add the exponents:
\[
y^a \cdot y^b = y^{a+b}
\]
In this case, you add the exponents \(-9\), \(-3\), and \(-5\):
\[
-9 + (-3) + (-5) = -9 - 3 - 5 = -17
\]
So, the expression simplifies to:
\[
y^{-17}
\]
If you want to express this with a positive exponent, you can write it as:
\[
\frac{1}{y^{17}}
\]
Therefore, the final simplified form of the expression is:
\[
y^{-9} \cdot y^{-3} \cdot y^{-5} = y^{-17} = \frac{1}{y^{17}}
\]