Final answer:
The expression 12/c^-8d^2 is simplified by converting c^-8 to its reciprocal 1/c^8 and then combining it with the rest of the expression, resulting in 12/c^8d^2.
Step-by-step explanation:
To simplify the expression 12/c^-8d^2, we need to manipulate the expression using the rules of exponents. Specifically, when you have a negative exponent, you can rewrite it as the reciprocal of the base with a positive exponent. Here is how you can perform the simplification:
- First, express the negative exponent as a reciprocal: c^-8 becomes 1/c^8.
- Next, combine the reciprocal with the rest of the expression: 12 Ă— 1/c^8d^2.
- Finally, as there are no similar bases with exponents to further simplify, the expression is simplified to 12/c^8d^2.
This simplification uses the Division of Exponentials rule which states that when dividing exponential terms with the same base, you subtract the exponents. However, since there's no c term in the numerator, we only apply the negative exponent rule.