Can someone help understand how to do this equation:

Simplify the expression.

Question

Can someone help understand how to do this equation: 

	
Simplify the expression.

anonymous · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

okay,well first, the exponent 2 is distributed down to every term.

anonymous · Answer

Oh Ok. Gotcha

anonymous · Answer

so it'll be $$(3^2xy^{-1})\div(x ^{-1}y)$$

anonymous · Answer

the negative exponents just mean that it should be a fraction with 1 over it. so $$y^{-1} = \frac{ 1 }{ y }$$

anonymous · Answer

ok got it.

anonymous · Answer

in essence, if the negative is exponent is on the top, bring it down to make it positive. if it's on the bottom, bring it up to make it positive.

anonymous · Answer

so what's on top after you move the negatives around and what's on the bottom? $$\frac{ 9x*x }{ y*y }$$ (sorry if i'm slow, just made an account)

anonymous · Answer

ok and no prob. so would it be 9x2/y2

anonymous · Answer

yup!

anonymous · Answer

Aight. Awesome thanks for your help

anonymous · Answer

you're welcome :)