Question

Lauren simplified the expression (m Superscript negative 7 Baseline) Superscript negative 5 as shown.

(m Superscript negative 7 Baseline) Superscript negative 5 = m Superscript negative 7 + (negative 5) Baseline = m Superscript negative 12 Baseline = StartFraction 1 Over m Superscript 12 Baseline EndFraction


Which statement explains Lauren’s error?
She should have subtracted the exponents instead of adding them.
She should have multiplied the exponents instead of adding them.
She should have found –2, not negative 12, as the exponent when she added.
She should have written m Superscript negative 12 as m Superscript 12.
Mark this and return

Answer 1

She should have multiplied the exponents instead of adding them.

Reason: (m^(-7))^(-5) = m^{(-7)(-5)} = m^{35}. Lauren incorrectly added the exponents to get m^{-12}.