SOLUTION: I not sure if this is the correct topic but, I am working on Intergers as Exponents in Algebra II. The question is how do you know how to simplify problems such as 4k^-5 and 3^-3y^

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: I not sure if this is the correct topic but, I am working on Intergers as Exponents in Algebra II. The question is how do you know how to simplify problems such as 4k^-5 and 3^-3y^      Log On


   

Question 334990: I not sure if this is the correct topic but, I am working on Intergers as Exponents in Algebra II. The question is how do you know how to simplify problems such as 4k^-5 and 3^-3y^-5 and how to you turn them into fractions?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hint: %28a%2Fb%29%5E%28-k%29=%28b%2Fa%29%5Ek where 'k' is some positive number. So for instance, %282%2F3%29%5E%28-3%29=%283%2F2%29%5E3. Also, keep in mind that whole numbers are just fractions with denominators of 1. So 3=3%2F1, k=k%2F1, and y=y%2F1