document.write( "Question 858007: I am currently working on polynomials and exponents with multiply variables and long division. But on this problem it is set up different and says use the rules of exponents: Division. The problem is 2^-1a^-7b^4 as the denominator and 2ab^-3 as the numerator. If someone could be advise me I would be grateful. I am horrible at math and always have been so please explain in detail. Thanks Shawna \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #516971 by Theo(13342)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It's easier to show this on a piece of paper, so check out the following sheet of paper:
\n" ); document.write( "step 1 shows you the problem as i interpreted it.
\n" ); document.write( "step 2 shows you the solution.
\n" ); document.write( "step 3 shows you how i got 4 from 2 / 2^-1.
\n" ); document.write( "step 4 shows you how i got a^8 from a / a^-7.
\n" ); document.write( "step 5 shows you how i got 1 / b^7 from b^-3 / b^4.
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "the basic principles of exponent arithmetic that were used in this problem are:\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "x^a * x^b = x^(a*b)
\n" ); document.write( "x^a / x^b = x^(a-b)
\n" ); document.write( "x^-a = 1/x^a\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "other principles that can be used for other problems are:\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "1/x^-a = x^a
\n" ); document.write( "(x^a)^b = x^(a*b)
\n" ); document.write( "(x^a*y^b)^c = x^ac*y^bc\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "here's a good tutorial that explains all of that with examples and a small number of exercises that you can use to test yourself.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/col_alg_tut2_exp.htm\r
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