Question

Marina correctly simplified the expression (-4a^-2 b^4)/(8a^-6b^-3) assuming that a does not equal 0 and b does not equal 0. Her simplified expression is below.

-1/2a^4b^

The exponent of the variable b in Marina’s solution should be...

Answer 1

7 is correct!

Explanation:

hope that this helps. Peace and Love

Answer 2

For this case we have the following expression:
(-4a ^ -2 b ^ 4) / (8a ^ -6b ^ -3)
We can rewrite the expression using properties of exponents.
We have then:
(-4/8) * ((a ^ (- 2 - (- 6))) (b ^ (4 - (- 3))))
Rewriting we have:
(-2/4) * ((a ^ (- 2 + 6)) (b ^ (4 + 3)))
(-1/2) * ((a ^ 4) (b ^ 7))
-1 / 2a ^ 4b ^ 7
Answer:
The exponent of the variable b in Marina's solution should be 7