# a little help in the right direction please

• April 2nd 2013, 02:45 PM
thatsmessedup
a little help in the right direction please
I don't get the last conversion. what is happening there?

Attachment 27773
• April 2nd 2013, 03:52 PM
agentmulder
Re: a little help in the right direction please
Quote:

Originally Posted by thatsmessedup
I don't get the last conversion. what is happening there?

Attachment 27773

$\frac{1}{x} = x^{-1}$

$\frac{1}{x^b} = x^{-b}$

your $b = \frac{1}{2}$

:)
• April 3rd 2013, 10:13 AM
thatsmessedup
Re: a little help in the right direction please
so the lesson learned is a/a^b = a^b
• April 3rd 2013, 11:11 AM
dokrbb
Re: a little help in the right direction please
Quote:

Originally Posted by thatsmessedup
so the lesson learned is a/a^b = a^b

no, a/a^b = a^(-b)

I think you meant the first fraction transformation: x/x^(1/2) which is the same as x^(1)/x^(1/2) which is the same as x^(1 - 1/2), do you get it now,
• April 3rd 2013, 11:39 AM
HallsofIvy
Re: a little help in the right direction please
Neither $a/a^b= a^b$ nor $a/a^b= a^{b- 1}$ is correct. $a/a^b= a^{-b+1}$. $1/a^b= a^{-b}$.
• April 4th 2013, 04:49 PM
thatsmessedup
Re: a little help in the right direction please
^^ got it! thanks :)