Question

Pablo simplified the expression (2 Superscript negative 4 Baseline) Superscript negative 2 as shown.

(2 Superscript negative 4 Baseline) Superscript negative 2 = 2 Superscript negative 4 times 2 Baseline = 2 Superscript negative 8


Which statement explains Pablo’s error?
He should have added the exponents instead of multiplying them.
He should have divided the exponents instead of multiplying them.
He should have found 8 as the exponent, not –8.
He should have written 2 Superscript negative 8 as StartFraction 1 Over 2 Superscript 8 Baseline EndFraction.

Answer 1

C. He should have found 8 as the exponent, not –8.

Explanation:

Answer 2

He should have found 8 as the exponent, not –8.

Explanation:

Given the expression simplified by Pablo as
`(2^(-4))^(-2)`

On simplification we have;

According to one of the law of indices
`(a^(m))^(n) = a^(mn)`

Applying this law to the question will give;

`(2^(-4))^(-2)\\=2^(-4*-2) \\\= 2^(8)`

Based on the calculation above, the exponent of 2 is 8 which means that Pablo should have found 8 as the exponent, not –8.