Question

Simplify the equation.

5x^-4

Answer 1

x^-n=1/x^n

Answer 2

Where do you get n?

Answer 3

this is just a proof expression. it explains how to solve your problem

Answer 4

Ohhhh, I was so confused.

Answer 5

x^-2=1/x^2
does that make more sense?

Answer 6

Yes, but is that the expression simplified?

Answer 7

it is not, there was a warning the other day about posting answers. so i will help you understand why the answer is what it is.

Answer 8

Alrighty.

Answer 9

alright so where are you, in solving this problem
knowing the reasoning i gave you can you figure it out?

Answer 10

is it 5/x^-4

Answer 11

your close but remember what happens to the sign

Answer 12

the confusion is in the wording
there is no such mathematical operation as "simplify"
it is the lazy math teacher's way of saying "give me the answer i want"
the instructions should be "rewrite using positive exponents"

Answer 13

to make the exponent positive, take the reciprocal
i.e. flip it
leave the coefficient on top
change the exponent from positive to negative
example: 4x^-2 =4/x^2

Answer 14

then ask you math teacher why on earth he or she thinks 5/x^4 is any "simpler" than 5x^-4
there is nothing "simpler" about it, it is just another way to write it with positive rather than negative exponents