SOLUTION: Simplify. Write the answers with positive exponents only. (x to the 2nd power)to the -3rd power (x to the -2nd power) Over (x tot he 2nd power)to the -4th power

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: Simplify. Write the answers with positive exponents only. (x to the 2nd power)to the -3rd power (x to the -2nd power) Over (x tot he 2nd power)to the -4th power      Log On


   

Question 112532: Simplify. Write the answers with positive exponents only.
(x to the 2nd power)to the -3rd power (x to the -2nd power) Over
(x tot he 2nd power)to the -4th power
Answer by ilana(307) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
So we want to simplify ((x^2)^-3)*(x^-2)/((x^2)^-4).
First, multiply exponents in each term to get (x^-6)*(x^-2)/(x^-8).
Now, when you multiply two terms with the same base, add the exponents, so get (x^-8)/(x^-8). We could jump to the fact that anything divided by itself is 1, so this is 1. You could also first put terms with negative exponents in the opposite position- numerator or denominator to get x^8/x^8 = 1.