1. ## a little help in the right direction please

I don't get the last conversion. what is happening there?

2. ## Re: a little help in the right direction please

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

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

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

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

3. ## Re: a little help in the right direction please

so the lesson learned is a/a^b = a^b

4. ## Re: a little help in the right direction please

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,

5. ## Re: a little help in the right direction please

Neither $\displaystyle a/a^b= a^b$ nor $\displaystyle a/a^b= a^{b- 1}$ is correct. $\displaystyle a/a^b= a^{-b+1}$. $\displaystyle 1/a^b= a^{-b}$.

6. ## Re: a little help in the right direction please

^^ got it! thanks