Thread: Simplifying Expression

so i divide the 15 & 18 by 3 to get 5/6
R8 - (-4) = r12
Q(-4)-3 = Q(-7)

just wondered which went on top or bottom ?
am i right in saying that r12 goes on top cause the r8 is a positive power ?

Originally Posted by kevindorward

so i divide the 15 & 18 by 3 to get 5/6
R8 - (-4) = r12
Q(-4)-3 = Q(-7)

just wondered which went on top or bottom ?
am i right in saying that r12 goes on top cause the r8 is a positive power ?

Yes, positive exponents go up top and negative exponents go on the bottom.

Typically when I start a problem like this I put all exponents as positive. For example


I put this as


Then I simplify.

-Dan