Question

Simplify the expression. 2a^–4 m^5

Answer 1

we have that

`2a^(-4) m^(5)`

Remove the negative exponent by rewriting

`a^(-4)` as
`1/a^(4)`

`2(1/a^(4))m^(5)`

Simplify
`2 (1/ a^(4) )`

Write 2 as a fraction with denominator 1.

`(2/1)(1/a^(4) ) m^(5)`

Multiply
`(2/1)` and
`(1/ a^(4) )` to get
`2/ a^(4)`

`(2 /a^(4)) m^(5)`

Write m5 as a fraction with denominator 1

`(2/ a^(4))( m^(5) /1)`

Multiply

`(2/ a^(4))` and
`( m^(5)/1)` to get
`2 m^(5) / a^(4)`

the answer is

`2 m^(5) / a^(4)`