How do you simplify #8x^-1y^-3# and write it using only positive exponents?
1 Answer
Oct 4, 2016
Explanation:
A negative exponent indicates that you are to find the reciprocal of the base. In this case, the -1 exponent only applies to the x, and the -3 exponent only applies to the y. Therefore, the 8 stays in the numerator, the x moves into the denominator, and the y^3 moves into the denominator. This gives the simplified answer with only positive exponents:
