how do you simplify this expression: 12x(9xy^12)(-5x^-8y^7)?

Question

I just don't know what to do with the negative exponents.

Answer 1

Remember the following rules when dealing with exponents.

a^m*aⁿ = a^m+n.

a^m/aⁿ = a^m-n.

a^-n = 1/aⁿ.

Also remember that

a⁰ = 1.

Also it may help to remember that you can regroup the terms according to bases.

To illustrate I'll use another example, and leave yours for you to try.

2*x(9*x*y³)(3*x^-2y⁴) = (2*9*3)(x*x*x^-2)(y³*y⁴).

I hope that helps some.

Try a bit of this, and if you still need help, I or another tutor here will be happy to assist you.