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Expert: - 2/25/2004


Question
i have some questions on exponents.

1) x^4 . x^-2
2) (6^2)^2
3) (2xy^3)^-2
4) (x^2y^2)^-1
5) 4x^-1y

provide explanations as well

Answer
1)

(x^4)(x^-2) = x^2 Add exponents when expressions are multiplied with the same base.

2)

(6^2)^2 = 6^4 = 1296  Multiply exponents when an expression raised to an exponent is itself raised to an exponent.

3)

(2xy^3)^-2 = (2^-2)(x^-2)(y^-6) = 1/(4x^2y^6) Distribute an exponent among terms in a product.

4)

(x^2y^2)^-1 = 1/(x^2y^2) The definition of a negative exponent

5)

4x^-1y = 4y/x The definition of a negative exponent

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