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Mathematics 10 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

Simplify (x^-4) over (x^-2). I know this is really simple I just don't know how to go about solving it >.<

OpenStudy (anonymous):

@freckles

OpenStudy (freckles):

\[\frac{x^{a}}{x^{b}}=x^{a-b} \text{ by quotient rule }\]

OpenStudy (freckles):

you have the same base so your answer will be that base to the power of (top exponent - bottom exponent )

OpenStudy (anonymous):

So, x^-2?

OpenStudy (freckles):

-4-(-2) -4+2 -2 the exponent is -2 good job! :)

OpenStudy (freckles):

and from previous thread you can rewrite without negative exponent by doing,,

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Ahh, I love you! Thanks a bunch

OpenStudy (freckles):

\[x^{-a}=\frac{1}{x^{a}}\]

OpenStudy (freckles):

np

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Exactly what I was going to do ;)

OpenStudy (freckles):

great stuff!

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