SOLUTION: Here is the problem: (5/4)to the negative 3rd power (5/4) to the negative 2nd power (5/4)to the 2nd power I always thought that to get rid of a negative power, you invert. F

Question 27137: Here is the problem:
(5/4)to the negative 3rd power (5/4) to the negative 2nd power (5/4)to the 2nd power
I always thought that to get rid of a negative power, you invert. For example the first one would be (4/5) to the 3rd power, the second one would be (4/5) to the 2nd power....but what do I do with the 3rd part? It is not a negative exponent. Then you would add/subtract the exponents and the base would remain (4/5). Please help if you understand my question.
Thanks,
Patty
Answer by askmemath(368) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
There are 3 ways you can go about solving this Question.
The easiest way is already mentioned in your question itself and you havent even realised it!!
We have and
Since both have the same number i.e. all you had to do was add their exponents
But we know that -2 +2 = 0
So basically we are left with 1
=

You've tried the 2nd way so let me finish that one too
Since you are writin everything in terms of 4/5,let's write the last term also(the one with the positive power)in terms of 4/5 as well

Adding the exponents only now we get 3-2+2 = 3
or =
Same as above. Yay!!
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