How do you solve y^2(y^-2)

Question

When multiplying y ^2 by y^-2 do you add the exponents?  If so that would be zero correct?

 

Answer 1

Yes, you are right, Nicholas; the rule for multiplying two exponential terms with the same base is:

 

y^ay^b = y^a+b

 

So, yes, you are right again:

 

y²y^-2 = y^2+(-2) = y⁰

 

Now what does y⁰ = ?  (Hint: it's not zero)