Question

If u get a negative answer for exponents is it correct?

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

maybe

Explanation:

It can be. It depends on the problem.

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The rules of exponents are ...

(a^b)/(a^c) = a^(b-c)

a^-b = 1/a^b

Clearly, for division problems if the denominator exponent is larger, the difference 'b-c' will be negative.

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You recall that an exponent is the way we show repeated multiplication.

x·x·x = x³

In division, like factors cancel, so ...

`(x\cdot x\cdot x)/(x\cdot x)=(x^3)/(x^2)=(x)/(1)\cdot(x\cdot x)/(x\cdot x)=x^(3-2)=x^1=x`

Now, consider the same problem "upside down."

`(x\cdot x)/(x\cdot x\cdot x)=(x^2)/(x^3)=(1)/(x)\cdot(x\cdot x)/(x\cdot x)=x^(2-3)=x^(-1)=(1)/(x)`