Question

Simplify the following expression, and rewrite it in an equivalent form with positive exponents. 10x^3y^3
--------
40x^-3y^-4

Answer 1

10x^3y^3
--------
40x^-3y^-4

Use the law of negative exponents:
1/a^x = a^(-x)

10x^3y^3
--------
40x^-3y^-4
=(10/40) x^3y^3 * x^-(-3)y^-(-4)
=(1/4) x^3*x^3 * y^3*y^4
=(1/4)x^6 y^7