what is the value of 12x^-3y^-1 for x=-1 and y=5

Answer 1

To find the value of 12x^-3y^-1 for x=-1 and y=5, we substitute the given values into the expression:

12(-1)^-3(5)^-1

First, we evaluate (-1)^-3. Since any negative number raised to an odd exponent is negative, (-1)^-3 = -1.

Next, we evaluate (5)^-1. The reciprocal of 5 is 1/5, so (5)^-1 = 1/5.

Plugging in these values, we have:

12(-1)(1/5)

Multiplying -1 and 1/5 gives:

-12/5

Therefore, the value of 12x^-3y^-1 for x=-1 and y=5 is -12/5.