Express the number in the form a/b, where a and b are integers.

Question

Express the number in the form a/b, where a and b are integers.

4-²/ 5-²

 

Answer 1

Hi Alexes, the first step is to change the negative exponents to positive exponents. If the negative exponent is in the numerator, move the number to the denominator and change the sign of the exponent.

 

If the negative exponent is in the denominator, move the number to the numerator and change the sign of the exponent.

 

In your problem, 4^-2 / 5^-2 becomes 5² / 4².

 

The next step if to remove the exponent by multiplication.

 

5² / 4², which is (5 * 5) / (4 * 4) that becomes 25 / 16.

 

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