Math Help Forum: How do you multiply a negative exponent?

What would 2x multiplied by 6x^-4 be?

I know that 2x multiplied by 6x^4 is 12x^5.. you just add the positive exponents. Do you also add the exponents when working with negative exponents? So the answer would be 12x^(-4+1) = 12x^-3?

Thanks..

Originally Posted by kmjt

What would 2x multiplied by 6x^-4 be?

I know that 2x multiplied by 6x^4 is 12x^5.. you just add the positive exponents. Do you also add the exponents when working with negative exponents? So the answer would be 12x^(-4+1) = 12x^-3?

Thanks..

Thanks