# Math Help - Simplify an expression with exponents.

1. ## Simplify an expression with exponents.

Hello,
Thanks

here is the question:

16y^10 * 4y^-4 (divided by) 32y^7

2. Use this: a^n*a^m=a^(n+m) and a^n/a^m=a^(n-m)

3. Originally Posted by IBstudent
Hello,
Thanks

here is the question:

16y^10 * 4y^-4 (divided by) 32y^7
A better idea is for you to try to answer this question, post your working and where you are stuck. Then you might get some help - we won't do your work for you.

4. Originally Posted by VincentP
Use this: $a^n*a^m=a^{n+m}$

and

$\frac{a^n}{a^m}=a^{n-m}$
... It actually took longer for the site to load my reply than it did to edit this.

5. Originally Posted by IBstudent
Hello,
Thanks

here is the question:

16y^10 * 4y^-4 (divided by) 32y^7
...=(16*4/32)*y^10/(y^4*y^7)=2*y^(10-4-7)=2y^(-1)

6. Originally Posted by IBstudent
16y^10 * 4y^-4
Same as 16 * 4 * y^10 * y^-4 ; so 64y^6 ; continue...

7. Originally Posted by Wilmer
Same as 16 * 4 * y^10 * y^-4 ; so 64y^6 ; continue...
okay....
so 64y^6 is equivelent to 2y^36,
2y^36 / 32y^7 = 2y^36 / 2y^35 which gives 2y^(36-35) = 2y^1
hehe that was close! ...... can anyone please tell me where I went wrong?
thanks

8. wait..... I got it
GREAT METHOD!
IT WORKED!!!!!
thanks, I really appreciate the help everyone :-)