whats ((a^-5)(c^2)^-2 / a^-5c

Question

(a^-5 c²)^-2⁄a-5c

 

Answer 1

Hello Michelle,

 

(a^-5c²)/(a^-5c)

 

The rule for this situation is that when you divide a variable with exponents, subtract the exponent of the variable in the denominator.  Let's break it down one piece at a time.

 

a^-5/a^-5

=a^-5-(-5)

=a^-5+5

=a⁰

=1

 

c²/c           (the exponent is implied to be 1 if none is shown)

=c^2-1

=c¹

=c

 

Put it together, and it simplifies to 1c, or just c.