when multiplying, add exponents.
when dividing, subtract exponents.
x^5 * x^7 = x^12
x^-3 / x^-5 = x^(-3-(-5)) = x^(-3+5) = x^2
just take it a step at a time. Negative numbers are just like positive numbers. They add and subtract in the usual way.
Just remember that
1/x^n = x^-n
1/x^-n = x^n
moving a factor between numerator and denominator changes its sign.
Can anyone explain to me how to simplify an expression with negative exponents using the rules for multiplying monomials? Have to know it and im not sure!!
2 answers
Thanks!!