Question

Describe how (2^3)(2^-4) can be simplifed

Answer 1

`2^3*2^(-4)=(1)/(2)`

Explanation:

The given expression is

`(2^3)(2^(-4))`

This is the same as;

`2^3*2^(-4)`

Recall that;

`a^m* a^n=a^(m+n)`

This implies that;

`2^3*2^(-4)=2^(3+-4)`

`2^3*2^(-4)=2^(-1)`

We now use the following law of exponents

`a^(-m)=(1)/(a^m)`

This gives us;

`2^3*2^(-4)=(1)/(2)`