could someone help me with math?

Question

Simplify the following expression.

(-16a^4)^1

Answer 1

Hi, Seth,

     Let's look at another example similar to yours:  (-5b⁴)¹  .   Let's let  a=-5b⁴ .  Now substitute into the problem:

(a)¹ =_a__  =____    I will let you figure it out by looking at my examples below:          

 

What is 5¹ ?  5             What is (-b)^{1 ?   -}b      10¹ =10     -10¹ =-10  

 

Therefore, any variable whether positive or negative raised to the first power causes no change.

 

If I have helped you, please give me a thumbs up.

                                                 Susan C.