Question

How do you simplify `(x^-3)^-3x^3` and write it using only positive exponents?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, use this rule of exponents to simplify the expression on the left:

`(x^color(red)(a))^color(blue)(b) = x^(color(red)(a) xx color(blue)(b))`

`(x^color(red)(-3))^color(blue)(-3)x^3 => x^(color(red)(-3) xx color(blue)(-3))x^3 =x^9x^3`

Now, use this rule of exponents to complete the simplification:

`x^color(red)(a) xx x^color(blue)(b) = x^(color(red)(a) + color(blue)(b))`

`x^color(red)(9)x^color(blue)(3) => x^(color(red)(9) + color(blue)(3)) = x^12`