Question

Describe why the expression 2^-4
is equivalent to the expression 1/2^4

Answer 1

see expression

Explanation:

Using the rule of exponents

`a^(-m)` ⇔
`(1)/(a^(m) )` , then

`2^(-4)`

=
`(1)/(2^(4) )`

Thus

`2^(-4)` and
`(1)/(2^(4) )` are equivalent expressions

Answer 2

Because when a number is raised to negative indice, it automatically becomes a fraction of 1, with the number raised to the positive indice. If the original expression becomes the other..its still equivalent and equal to the same value-just changed to make solving more easier