could someone help me with math?

Question

Simplify this expression. If the answer contains exponents, all exponents should be positive.

(s^-3/s^-2)^5

Answer 1

Jared,

 

Start by simplifying the term inside the parenthesis.

 

When dividing exponented numbers, you subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator.

 

Therefore, s^(-3)/s^(-2) = s^(-1). 

 

When applying an exponent to an already exponented number you multiply the exponents.

 

Therefore, (s^(-1))⁵ = s^(-5).

 

The reciprocal of any exponented number simply changes the sign of the exponent. Therefore, to get the exponent positive, take the reciprocal.

 

Therefore, s^(-5) = 1/s⁵

 

 

 

Answer 2

Let's see... within the parentheses you could simplify, since both bases in numerator & denominator are s)

to s ^ (-3 - (-2))  so within the original expression's parentheses you'd have s ^ (-1).

 

Equivalently, that would be (1 / s). 

 

Then this (1/s)^5 becomes 1 / (s^5).