Question

Simplify the expression. Write your answer as a power.

(-1/2)^3 x (-1/2)^6

What is the expression?

Answer 1

The answer is

`( { - (1)/(2) })^(9)`

Explanation:

`( { - (1)/(2) })^(3) * ({ - (1)/(2) })^(6)`

Use the rules of indices

Since they have the same base and are multiplying we add the exponents

That's

`{a}^(x) * {a}^(y) = {a}^(x + y)`

So we have

`( { - (1)/(2) })^(3) * ({ - (1)/(2) })^(6) = ({ - (1)/(2) })^(6 + 3)`

We have the final answer as

`( { - (1)/(2) })^(9)`

Hope this helps you