Simplify.
x^−5/x
Write your answer with a positive exponent only.

Question

Simplify.
x^−5/x
Write your answer with a positive exponent only.

motherhen544 · Answer

$$\frac{ x ^{-5} }{ x }$$

mathmale · Answer

Unfortunately, this expression is ambiguous (subject to misinterpretation or interpretation in different ways.

Can you think of any way in which to remove the ambiguity or ambiguities, using parentheses?

motherhen544 · Answer

no this really confused me so i have no idea what to do

mathmale · Answer

Your $$\frac{ x ^{-5} }{ x }$$   is so much better.     Now, use rules of exponentiation to simplify, aiming for a positive exponent in the denominator.

mathmale · Answer

Actually, by presenting $$\frac{ x ^{-5} }{ x }$$ you have remvoed all ambiguities.  Perfect.  Now, simplify your result.

motherhen544 · Answer

but what does it mean by simplify it

motherhen544 · Answer

1$$\frac{ 1 }{ x^{6}}$$

motherhen544 · Answer

is that right?

mathmale · Answer

Before simplification:  You have a neg exponent and a positive one.
After simplification:  You have combined those two exponents and come up with a positive one that goes into the denominator.

Yes, your final answer is correct.