Simplifying Expressions That Contain Negative
Exponents
When we write an exponential expression in simplified form, we typically
use only positive exponents.
Example 1
Simplify and write using only positive exponents: (3-1r4s-5t)-2
Solution
Use the Power of a Product Property. |
= (3-1)-2(r4)-2(s-5)-2(t)-2 |
Use the Power of a Power Property.
|
= 32 · r-8
· s10 · t-2 |
Rewrite using only positive exponents.
|
|
Simplify. |
|
So,
Note:
There’s more than one way to simplify the
original expression.
For example, you
could begin like this:
Then use the Power of a Product Property.
Example 2
Simplify and write using only positive exponents:
Solution
|