## need help simplifying (5/2)^-2 + (2/1)^-3

Simplificatation, evaluation, linear equations, linear graphs, linear inequalities, basic word problems, etc.

### need help simplifying (5/2)^-2 + (2/1)^-3

(5/2)^-2 + (2/1)^-3
ppat

Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 5:38 am

### Re: need help simplifying (5/2)^-2 + (2/1)^-3

ppat wrote:(5/2)^-2 + (2/1)^-3

Remember that when a fraction (a/b)^-n is considered you can do a couple of things:
1. You can distribute the exponents to both the numerators and the denominators.
2. Flip the fraction in the parantheses and then do #1.

When you do either step 1 or 2, you will have to find the LCD (Lowest common denominator) to combine the fractions.

wibblyangelica

Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Mar 04, 2009 2:27 pm

ppat wrote:(5/2)^-2 + (2/1)^-3

To review the rules for working with negative exponents, try here. Then follow the steps provided earlier:

. . . . .$\left(\frac{5}{2}\right)^{-2}\, +\, \left(\frac{2}{1}\right)^{-3}$

. . . . .$\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^2\, +\, \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^3$

. . . . .$\frac{4}{25}\, +\, \frac{1}{8}$

...and so forth.

stapel_eliz

Posts: 1717
Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:22 pm