Simplify (answer using positive exponents only):
(a^-3 x b / c^-2)^-4

In other words, a-3 x b over c^-2, all powered to -4.
[I seriously cannot figure out how to write equations here. Gah.]

Question

Simplify (answer using positive exponents only):
(a^-3 x b / c^-2)^-4

In other words, a-3 x b over c^-2, all powered to -4.
[I seriously cannot figure out how to write equations here. Gah.]

anonymous · Answer

a^3 / c^2b all raised to 4 power

mertsj · Answer

$$(\frac{a ^{-3}b}{c ^{-2}})^{-4}=\frac{a ^{12}b ^{-4}}{c ^{8}}=\frac{a ^{12}}{b ^{4}c ^{8}}$$

mertsj · Answer

Remember...when you raise to a power, you multiply the exponents.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you! My cousin and I were confused with what to do first: the -4, or flipping the variables.

mertsj · Answer

Well it really doesn't matter that much but in the end you want the exponents to  be positive so do whichever will facilitate the fewest steps and therefore less work.