SOLUTION: Im having a hard time figuring out the answer to this well how they got it.5 to the negative 1 plus 3 to the negative 1 power the answer is 8/15 I dont see that as beening right. I

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: Im having a hard time figuring out the answer to this well how they got it.5 to the negative 1 plus 3 to the negative 1 power the answer is 8/15 I dont see that as beening right. I      Log On


   

Question 20006: Im having a hard time figuring out the answer to this well how they got it.5 to the negative 1 plus 3 to the negative 1 power the answer is 8/15 I dont see that as beening right. I took the problem and made it a fraction to each side and still I dont see how the answer came about
Answer by elima(1433) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Negative exponents turn integers into fractions, so you have;
5%5E-1+3%5E-1
It turns it to fraction;
1%2F5%5E1+1%2F3%5E1which is;
1%2F5+1%2F3, now you need common denominators to be able to add;
3%2F15+5%2F15=8%2F15
Hope you get it
=)