SOLUTION: How do you simplify a fraction that has a negative fractional exponent? the fraction is 625/81 and the exponent is -5/4 but the negative sign is not specific to either the numer

Algebra ->  Exponents-negative-and-fractional -> SOLUTION: How do you simplify a fraction that has a negative fractional exponent? the fraction is 625/81 and the exponent is -5/4 but the negative sign is not specific to either the numer      Log On


   

Question 216604: How do you simplify a fraction that has a negative fractional exponent?
the fraction is 625/81 and the exponent is -5/4 but the negative sign is not specific to either the numerator nor the denominator. I don't understand how the negative sign will affect the process. Please help.
Judy
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Remember, if you have a fraction that is raised to a negative exponent, simply flip the fraction to write a positive exponent.



For example, %28x%2Fy%29%5E%28-2%29=%28y%2Fx%29%5E2


So in this case, %28625%2F81%29%5E%28-5%2F4%29=%2881%2F625%29%5E%285%2F4%29


I'll let you take it from here. Let me know if you still need help.