Question

Express with positive exponents.
(a^-1b^2)^-2

Answer 1

a negative exponent is just like a division so
n^-2 = 1/n^2

Answer 2

So how would do I apply to 2 variables? D:

Answer 3

first use that rule on the outer most exponent and leave the inside studd alone. what do you get

Answer 4

stuff*

Answer 5

1/a^-1b^2 ?

Answer 6

its actually
1/(a^-1*b^2)^2
i think you just forgot the 2 on the bottom

Answer 7

now takle the inside of the expression

Answer 8

Would there be a negative sign before 1/(a^-1b^2)^2 ?

Answer 9

no. that negative in the exponent goes away when its shifted under a division like that

Answer 10

Ohhh, so for example if it was 2^-3 it would become 1/2^3 without the negative?

Answer 11

you got it :)

Answer 12

So would the final answer be 1/(a^1b^4) ?

Answer 13

well from where we left off at
1/(a^-1*b^2)^2 becomes
1/((1/a)*b^2)^2 the a^-1 turned to 1/a

Answer 14

Shoot right, I forgot the negative for a.... so after this would there be another step to finally solve b as well?

Answer 15

well technically you could leave it like it is since all exponents are positive

Answer 16

Alright, THANK YOU SO MUCH! :)

Answer 17

no problem. glad to help :)