Question

would (7x)^-1 = 1/7x ? the same as 7x^-1 does? Why or why not?

Answer 1

No, because \[7x^{-1} = \frac{7}{x}\]

Answer 2

Or another way to explain it is the order of operations: (GEMDAS) or Groupings, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. Groupings, or parentheses is evaluated before exponents, so in (7x)^-1, the -1 exponent effects the whole grouping, whereas in 7x^-1, exponents are evaluated before multiplication, so the -1 exponent effects only the x.

Answer 3

ok. thank you. That was the main reason this complex rational expression would not turn out right. Need to go back to the basics apparently.