I need help with Algebra 2!!!!

Question

Integer Exponents

Can I have some assistance with this problem?

(4/ab)-2

 

Answer 1

If the problem is (4/ab)^-2, the negative exponent indicates that we have to put the entire thing into the denominator with a positive exponent

1 / (4/ab)² 

Next, square what's in the parentheses

1/(16/a²b²)

Now, multiply the term by a²b²/a²b² to remove the a²b² in the bottom, and you're left with a²b²/16. 

 

Alternately, you could rewrite the term as (4)^-2/(ab)^-2 . With both numerator and denominator having a negative exponent, we take the (4) down and bring the (ab) up to get

(ab)²/(4)² = a²b²/16