Question

How do you simplify `(x^-1y^-2)/z^-3`?

Answer 1

`z^3/(xy^2)`

Explanation:

Negative exponents:

`x^-2=1/x^2`

`1/x^-2=x^2/1=x^2`

Switch the places (numerator vs denominator) of the negative exponents

`(x^-1y^-2)/z^-3`

`z^3/(xy^2)`

Answer 2

`=>(z^3)/(xy^2)`

Explanation:

Technically, this is already simplified to some extent. There are no like-terms that can be combined.

However, if you would like to write this in terms of only positive powers, then:

`(x^(-1)y^(-2))/(z^(-3)) => (z^3)/(xy^2)`

Negative powers keep the same power, but can be rewritten as positive if placed in the opposite part of the fraction. So a negative power in the numerator is equivalent to a positive power in the denominator, and vice-versa.