simplify 1/2 into -1

Question

anonymous · Answer

Is this possible? Have you missed out an x?

anonymous · Answer

well, this expression reads like this, the 1/2 is in a parenthesis and the -1 is an exponent of it outside the paranthesis

anonymous · Answer

You mean like
$$(1/2)^{-1}$$?

anonymous · Answer

Yes

anonymous · Answer

Ok. Well,  a negative integer exponent can be written, thus:
$$a ^{-n}= 1/a^n$$
So,
$$(1/2)^{-1} = 1/(1/2)$$
which will be 2.
Hope this helps you understand it a little better.

anonymous · Answer

You know, I am not sure of how to type the exponents into this area so I will just write the problem for you. I hope you understand. What about simplifying an X with an exponent of 2 by a X with an exponent of 3. Oh, by the way thank you for the first problem, it really helps a lot. Thank you very much.

anonymous · Answer

see you later

anonymous · Answer

$$x^2 / x^3$$
If, so, then written out in a longer hand will make it easier to understand:
$$(x \times x) /( x \times x \times x)$$
so, four of the x will cancel out, simplifying the question to
$$1/x$$