how are negative exponents positive and how do they work?

Question

help please

Answer 1

An expression that involves negative exponents can be rewritten as an equivalent expression involving positive exponents.

 

x^-n is equivalent to 1/xⁿ

 

So, for example, x^-3 = 1/x³

 

y^-2 + z^-5 = 1/y² + 1/z⁵

 

(2x)^-4  = 1/(2x)⁴ = 1/(16x⁴)

 

2x^-4 = 2(1/x⁴) = 2/x⁴

 

Note that the last two examples are not equivalent.