Question

Practice simplifying and evaluating expressions with exponents.
Simplify the expression. [(–5)–7 (–5)8]3

1. Apply the product of powers:   [(–5)1]3

2. Apply the power of a power:   (–5)3

3. Simplify:

What is the value of the expression?

Answer 1

Start with [(−5)^{−7} (−5)^8]^3.

1) Product of powers: (−7)+8 = 1, so [(−5)^1]^3.

2) Power of a power: (−5)^{1·3} = (−5)^3.

3) Compute: (−5)^3 = −125.

Answer: −125.