Question

How do you simplify `4yx^-3`?

Answer 1

Only the negative index needs attention.

`(4y)/x^3`

Explanation:

Answers are generally not given with negative indices.

Recall: `x^-m = 1/x^m`

A negative index becomes positive by taking the reciprocal of the base - that is, if is moved between the numerator and the denominator

In the term `4yx^-3" "larr` only the `x` has a negative index.

`4ycolor(blue)(x^-3) = (4y)/color(blue)(x^3)`