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Simplifying Expressions with
     Negative Exponents (page 2 of 3)

Recall that negative exponents mean to move the base to the other side of the fraction line. For instance:

    x^(-4) = 1/(x^4)

    1/x^(-3) = x^3

In the context of simplifying with exponents, negative exponents can create extra steps in the simplification process. For instance:

  • Simplify the following:

      • x^(-3) / x^(-7)

    The negative exponents tell me to move the bases, so:

      x^(-3) / x^(-7) = x^7 / x^3
        

    Then I cancel as usual, and get:

      x^7 / x^3 = x^4

When working with exponents, you're dealing with multiplication. Since order doesn't matter for multiplication, you will often find that you and a friend (or you and the teacher) have worked the same problem out completely differently, but have gotten the same answer in the end. This is to be expected. As long as you do each step correctly, you should get the correct answers. Don't worry if your solution doesn't look anything like your friend's; as long as you both got the right answer, you probably both did it "the right way".

  • Simplify the following expression: (–3x–1y2)2

    • I can either take care of the squaring outside, and then simplify inside, or else I can simplify inside, and then take the square through. Either way, I'll get the same answer; to prove this, I'll show both ways. Copyright © Elizabeth Stapel 2006-2008 All Rights Reserved

    simplifying first

    squaring first

     
    (-3y^2 / x)^2 = 9y^4 / x^2
     

    (-3)^2 (x^-1)^2 (y^2)^2 = 9y^4 / x^2
  • Simplify the following expression: (–5x–2y)(–2x–3y2)

    • Again, I can work either of two ways: multiply first and then do the negative exponents, or handle the exponents and then multiply fractions. I'll show both ways.

    multiplying first

    doing the exponents first

    (-5×-2)(x^(-2) x^(-3))(y y^2) = 10y^3 / x^5

     
    (-5y / x^2)(-2y^2 / x^3) = 10y^3 / x^5
     

Neither solution method (in the table above) is "better" or "worse" than the other. The way you work the problem will be a matter of taste or happenstance, so just do whatever works better for you.

  • Simplify the following expression:

      • 1 / 2x^(-4)

    The negative exponent is only on the x, not on the 2, so I only move the variable:

      (x^4) / 2

  • Simplify the following expression:

      • -6 / x^(-2)

    The "minus" on the 2 says to move the variable; the "minus" on the 6 says that the 6 is negative. These two "minus" signs mean entirely different things, and should not be confused. I have to move the variable; I should not move the 6.

      -6x^2

  • Simplify the following expression:

      • (3 x^(-2) y) / (xy)

    I'll move the one variable with a negative exponent, cancel off the y's, and simplify:

      (3 x^(-2) y) / (xy) = (3 x^(-2)) / (x) = 3 / (x^2 x) = 3 / x^3

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Cite this article as:

Stapel, Elizabeth. "Simplifying Expressions with Negative Exponents." Purplemath. Available from
    http://www.purplemath.com/modules/simpexpo2.htm. Accessed
 

 

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