# Thread: simplifying with negative exponents

1. ## simplifying with negative exponents

Can someone please explain to me how to simplify these problems? Any explaination would be appreciated. Thanks!

2. Originally Posted by poeticprincess
Can someone please explain to me how to simplify these problems? Any explaination would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi,

I can't open the file. So sorry!

3. Hmm, the attachment wouldnt open.

But anyway the easiest way is to solve for negative exponents is to write the reciprocal of the variable with a positive exponent.

4. there we go...

5. Hi,

I've attached an image with the solutions.

As you may know you allways can translate the negative sign in an exponent by 1/___ . Compare my calculations.

6. Thanks soooo much! You have no idea how much I needed help with this!

7. What about if you have (n^-2)/(n^3)? How would you simplify that? Please explain. Thnx a lot!

8. Originally Posted by alwaysalillost
What about if you have (n^-2)/(n^3)? How would you simplify that? Please explain. Thnx a lot!
Hi,

I'm going to answer this problem - but in future do us and do yourself a favour and start a new thread:

You know that the division of powers with the same base means that the exponents have to be subtracted:
Code:
  n^(-2)                            1
--------- = n^((-2)-3) = n^(-5) = ----
n^3                             n^5

9. Hello,

it's me again:

I send you a PDF-file with all possible formulas concerning powers and logarithm. I hope it could be helpful even in the near future.

10. Thnx A Bunch Earboth!!!