Question

Owen simplified the expression r-8 s-5.

r−8s−5 =  1r8  ⋅ s5 =  s5r8

Describe Owen’s error.

Answer 1

Sample Response: Each base must be treated separately. Since each base is raised to a negative exponent, they should both be in the denominator of the fractions. The simplified form of the expression has 1 in the numerator and r to the 8th power times s to the 5th power in the denominator.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Sample Response: Each base must be treated separately. Since each base is raised to a negative exponent, they should both be in the denominator of the fractions. The simplified form of the expression has 1 in the numerator and r to the 8th power times s to the 5th power in the denominator.