Question

Analyzing Work
Clyde simplified ( j-8)-2.
j Superscript (negative 8) + (negative 2) baseline = j superscript negative 10 Baseline = StartFraction 1 Over j Superscript 10 EndFraction
What error did Clyde make, and what is the correct simplified form?

Answer 1

Clyde added the exponents instead of using the "power of a power" rule. For (a^m)^n the correct rule is (a^m)^n = a^{m·n}, not a^{m+n}.

So
(j^{-8})^{-2} = j^{(-8)(-2)} = j^{16}.