Question

If the expression (2x^-7)^4 was written in ax ^b form what would be the sum of a and b?

Answer 1

We start by writing the expression in ax^b form:

`\begin{gathered} (2x^(-7))^4 \\ 2^4\cdot x^(-7\cdot4) \\ 16x^(-28) \end{gathered}`

Now, we have the expression is 16x^(-28), so a = 16 and b = -28.

If we add them, we get:

`a+b=16+(-28)=16-28=-12`

Answer: the sum of a and b is -12.