Question

Simplify the expression. (p9)−2

Answer 1

wouldn't it just be 9p-2

Answer 2

The given expression is

`(p^(9) )^-2`

Here the Indices are 9 and -2 .The power rule for indices state:

`(a^(m) )^n=a^(mn)`

The Powers are multiplied.

Applying the Power rule we have:

`(p^(9))^(-2) =p^(-18)`We now apply the negative index rule which states:

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

Applying the rule we have:

`p^(-18) =(1)/(p^(18))`