x^-2/x^-7

1 answer

When we divide powers with the same base, we subtract the exponents. So, for x^(-2) divided by x^(-7), we have:

x^(-2) / x^(-7) = x^(-2 - (-7))

Simplifying the expression inside the parentheses:

x^(-2 - (-7)) = x^(-2 + 7)

Combining the exponents:

x^(-2 + 7) = x^5

Therefore, x^(-2) / x^(-7) simplifies to x^5.