# Math Help - Simplifying Expressions Into Different Forms :(

1. ## Simplifying Expressions Into Different Forms :(

Okay so I have this problem that says:
If we simplify the expression $x^4y^4-x^6/(xy)^2$ to the form $x^Py^Q-x^Ry^S$ what are the terms P,Q,R, and S?

im struggling on how to get started to figure it out. my first idea was to make the expression $x^4y^4-x^6/(xy)(xy)$

2. Originally Posted by jemadd2
Okay so I have this problem that says:
If we simplify the expression $x^4y^4-x^6/(xy)^2$ to the form $x^Py^Q-x^Ry^S$ what are the terms P,Q,R, and S?

im struggling on how to get started to figure it out. my first idea was to make the expression $x^4y^4-x^6/(xy)(xy)$
Re-write your second term as

$x^6 x^{-2}y^{-2}$

and use the law of exponents.

3. Originally Posted by danny arrigo
Re-write your second term as

$x^6 x^{-2}y^{-2}$

and use the law of exponents.
so $x^4y^4-x^6/(xy)^2$turns into $x^6x^-2y^-2$? how does that work? sorry, im confused

4. Originally Posted by jemadd2
so $x^4y^4-x^6/(xy)^2$turns into $x^6x^-2y^-2$? how does that work? sorry, im confused
Yes, in general

$\frac{1}{x^n} = x^{-n}$ and $(xy)^n = x^n y^n$