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OpenStudy (anonymous):

Solving negative exponents?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

\[-4^{-1}\]

OpenStudy (anonymous):

-(1/4)

OpenStudy (anonymous):

that is just - (1/4)

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Can you explain it to me, just in case I run into one again?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

because 4^(-1) = 1/4^1 = 1/4 so you have the minus in the front with the 1/4... - 1/4

OpenStudy (rina.r):

-(1/4)

OpenStudy (anonymous):

5^(-2) = 1/5^2 4^-1 = 1/4^1

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Ok, so the formula 1 over a^n still works here? even tho its negative

OpenStudy (anonymous):

a negative exponent means that whatever is in parentheses this time which is (-4) it has the power 1 which is what is in parentheses in the denominator.

OpenStudy (yamyam70):

|dw:1382450963823:dw|

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Alright gotcha. thank u guys :) Can you help me out with a different one?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

\[\frac{ 6.9 x 10^{4} }{ 2.3x10^{7} }\]

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