SOLUTION: Simplify the following, assume a,x and y are not zero. -x^2y/ (-x^2)^2y^2 I totally didnt understand this problem.

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> SOLUTION: Simplify the following, assume a,x and y are not zero. -x^2y/ (-x^2)^2y^2 I totally didnt understand this problem.      Log On


   

Question 147361: Simplify the following, assume a,x and y are not zero.
-x^2y/ (-x^2)^2y^2
I totally didnt understand this problem.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
%28-x%5E2y%29%2F%28%28-x%5E2%29%5E2y%5E2%29%29 Start with the given expression.


%28-x%5E2y%29%2F%28x%5E4y%5E2%29%29 Rewrite %28-x%5E2%29%5E2 as %28-x%5E2%29%28-x%5E2%29=-1%2A-1%2Ax%5E%282%2B2%29=x%5E4



-x%5E%282-4%29y%5E%281-2%29 When you divide monomials, simply subtract the exponents.


-x%5E%28-2%29y%5E%28-1%29 Subtract.


%28-1%29%2F%28x%5E%282%29y%5E%281%29%29 Rewrite the expression with positive exponents by flipping the fractions.


%28-1%29%2F%28x%5E%282%29y%29 Simplify.


So %28-x%5E2y%29%2F%28%28-x%5E2%29%5E2y%5E2%29=%28-1%29%2F%28x%5E%282%29y%29 where x%3C%3E0 or y%3C%3E0