What is the missing exponent that would make this equation true?

k^−5 ⋅ k^2 /k^x = (k^0)^−2
(1 point)
Responses

x = -3
x = -3

x = -5
x = -5

x = 2
x = 2

x = 0

1 answer

To solve for \( x \) in the equation

\[ \frac{k^{-5} \cdot k^2}{k^x} = (k^0)^{-2}, \]

let's simplify both sides of the equation.

Starting with the left side:

\[ k^{-5} \cdot k^2 = k^{-5 + 2} = k^{-3}, \]

so we have

\[ \frac{k^{-3}}{k^x} = k^{-3 - x}. \]

Now, for the right side, since \( k^0 = 1 \), we find

\[ (k^0)^{-2} = 1^{-2} = 1 = k^0. \]

Now our equation simplifies to:

\[ k^{-3 - x} = k^0. \]

Since the bases are the same, we can set the exponents equal to each other:

\[ -3 - x = 0. \]

Now, solve for \( x \):

\[ -x = 3 \implies x = -3. \]

Thus, the missing exponent \( x \) that makes the equation true is

\[ \boxed{-3}. \]