SOLUTION: Fraction: 2/-2^-3 is supposed to be equal to 16. But I don't get it. Can someone explain the process for my understanding? I don't know how to deal with negative exponents espe

Question 234136: Fraction: 2/-2^-3 is supposed to be equal to 16.
But I don't get it.
Can someone explain the process for my understanding? I don't know
how to deal with negative exponents especially when it's in a fraction.
Answer by nyc_function(2741) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2/-2^-3 is supposed to be equal to 16.
Use the rule that says: a^(-1) = 1/(a)^(+1)
Actually, the answer is not 16 but -16.
2/-2^-3 becomes 2/(-2)^(-3) = 2/(1/-8)
For 2/(1/-8), we multiply the top and bottom by -8.
So, 2/(1/-8) becomes 2(-8)/1 = -16/1 = -16
The correct answer is -16.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Can someone please explain the process for this problem: (x^3+3)^2-9 This is how i... (answered by mananth)

For what values of t can 10x^2+tx+8 be written as the product of two binomials? I... (answered by ikleyn)

For what values of t can 10x^2+tx+8 be written as the product of two binomials? I... (answered by josgarithmetic,ikleyn,MathLover1,greenestamps)

There is a question on the practice Compass test I don't understand. It is; For all... (answered by MathLover1)

-1/4(x-8)+1/2(x+2)=x+9 Could someone help to explain how to solve this? I seem to... (answered by scott8148,rfer)

How many ordered pairs of positive integers (x,y) satisfy the equation x=(4-x)/(y^2-x)? (answered by MathLover1,rothauserc,ikleyn)

I have a problem understanding this equation and the solution process to get it. Can you... (answered by Earlsdon)

Hello. I would like some help not only in finding the answer for this particular... (answered by stanbon)

Hello . I have two examples of simplifying fractional exponents but i dont understand... (answered by rfer)