Question

Simplify the expression (startfraction 1 over 4 a b endfraction) superscript negative 2. assume a not-equals 0, b not-equals 0. negative startfraction 1 over 16 a squared b squared endfraction startfraction a squared b squared over 4 endfraction negative 16 a squared b squared 16 a squared b squared

Answer 1

16a^2b^2

Explanation:

An exponent that is over a whole entire fraction can be split up and put separately onto the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) See image.

Then you can get rid of a negative exponent (make it positive) by moving the whole term across the fraction bar. The top moves to the bottom and the bottom moves to the top. See image.

In the term (4ab)^2, the exponent 2 can be passed out to the 4 and the a and the b. See image.