Expert: Ahmed Salami - 9/24/2009

Question
hi,
can you help me do..

(x to the power of 1/2 +2)(x to the power of negative 1/2 - 3)

?

Answer
Hi Beth,
I hope you meant [x^(1/2 + 2)].[x^(-1/2 - 3)]
First, 1/2 + 2 = 1/2 + 4/2 = (1+4)/2 = 5/2
and -1/2 - 3 = -1/2 - 6/2 = (-1-6)/2 = -7/2
Therefore,
[x^(1/2 + 2)].[x^(-1/2 - 3)] = [x^(5/2)].[x^(-7/2)]
                            = x^[(5/2) + (-7/2)]
                            = x^[5/2 - 7/2]
                            = x^[(5-7)/2]
                            = x^[-2/2]
                            = x^(-1)
                            = 1/x

I hope i have helped you.

Regards