if you have a problem where you are multiplying numbers with exponents (both positive and negative) and your answer ends up with a negative exponent what is the reason you make a fraction out of it and put it on the bottom as a positive?

why cant you have a negative exponent in an answer?

3 answers

You are right. You can write the answer either way.
For example, if a and b are both positive,
x^a*x^-b = x^(a-b) or 1/x^(b-a)
but why cant there be a neg. on top? why do u move it to the bottom and make it positive?(note:,5,2 and 4 are exponents)
(4a-6b5)(7a2b4)= 28a-5b9
the final answer will be 28b9
over
a5
my question was why do you move the "a" negative 5 to the bottom and make it a postive "a" 5
I hope i'm wording this right.
You can. Just move the exponent up or down between numerator and denominator and change the sign. It's the same number either way.
Similar Questions
  1. If the sum is zero, what is the relationship of the two numbers?(this is an integers question--adding and
    1. answers icon 2 answers
    1. answers icon 1 answer
    1. answers icon 1 answer
    1. answers icon 1 answer
more similar questions