Fractions with exponents

Question

So, I get that if a fractions looks like this, (4)² (supppose that was one whole bracket). you would put exponent 2 in the numerator and denomenator.                                       (3)    

 

But if there wasn't a bracket, and an an exponent 2 in the numerator would you only put the 2 in the numerator, or would you still but it in the denominator also?

Answer 1

NO

x^2/y is NOT the same as (X/Y)^2

(X/Y)^2 = (X/y)(X/Y) = X^2/Y^2

BUT X^2/y is not the same

to see this let x=4 and y=2

(4/2)^2 = 2^2 = 4

while 4^2/2 = 16/2 = 8