# Help with latex expression

• May 30th 2008, 07:29 PM
cmf0106
Help with latex expression
(3x^-2 y)^2 (2xy^-3)^4 is producing...

$(3x^-2 y)^2 (2xy^-3)^4$

when the 3x should be raised to the -2 power, not combine to make 2y. Help please (Itwasntme)
• May 30th 2008, 07:36 PM
Jhevon
Quote:

Originally Posted by cmf0106
(3x^-2 y)^2 (2xy^-3)^4 is producing...

$(3x^-2 y)^2 (2xy^-3)^4$

when the 3x should be raised to the -2 power, not combine to make 2y. Help please (Itwasntme)

if a power has more than one "elements" like a minus sign and a 2, put it in {} brackets. so type 3^{-2} to get $3^{-2}$

and you mean the x is raised to the -2 power...

This is my 8:):):)th post!!!!
• May 30th 2008, 07:37 PM
TheEmptySet
Quote:

Originally Posted by cmf0106
(3x^-2 y)^2 (2xy^-3)^4 is producing...

$(3x^-2 y)^2 (2xy^-3)^4$

when the 3x should be raised to the -2 power, not combine to make 2y. Help please (Itwasntme)

You need {} when you want to group an exponent

like this

(3x^{-2} y)^2 (2xy^{-3})^4
Good luck.