How do you multiply #P^ { - 2} \cdot p ^ { - 8} \cdot p ^ { - 9}#?

1 Answer
ceenik
Apr 24, 2017

#1/(P^2*p^17)#

Explanation:

#P^-2*p^-8*p^-9#

Add the exponents for common variables
[When exponents over the same variable are multiplying we ADD them]

#P^-2*p^(-8+(-9))#

So,

#P^-2*p^(-17)#

Now we move all of the negative exponents into a fraction as the denominator
[Remember everything has a 1 underneath it, we just don't write it because we know it is there]

Think of it like this

#(P^-2*p^(-17))/1#

Now move the negative exponents to the denominator so that they become positive
[If there was a positive exponent it would stay in the numerator]

#1/(P^2*p^17)#

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