How do you simplify y^-1/ (y^4)^2?

1 Answer
Apr 11, 2018

Should be 1/y^9

Explanation:

Your preference but I like to start with the exponents on the bottom because it's easier
Remember that when you distribute an exponent it MULTIPLIES to every other variable in the parenthesis:
For example: (y^-1)/y^8
Next, you have to flip the y^-1 so that it positive because it's math illiteracy to leave a negative exponent:
To fix that just flip it as so:
1/y^9
REMEMBER when an exponent is just multiplying to another without parenthesis they add the exponent:
y^2*y^3=y^5 but (y^2)^3=y^6