# (non)fractional Negative Exponents

1. Mar 8, 2006

### wScott

We got thirty questions dealing with zero and negative exponents, but I'm having trouble with the negative exponent questions.

An example of this is:

a^3b-2/3^-1a^4b^-3

(-3x^-2y^3/3^-3x^4y^8)^-2

Sorry if these two examples look messy I don't know how to write it out like people write equations on this site.

2. Mar 8, 2006

### Hurkyl

Staff Emeritus
You could still use parentheses correctly. And spaces are terrific for readability. E.G. I think you meant to write:

a^3 b^-2 / (3^-1 a^4 b^-3)

for the first one.

3. Mar 8, 2006

### wScott

Thanks for the tip Hurkyl. Do you have any ideas on how to solve them?

4. Mar 8, 2006

### assyrian_77

You should know (and remember) these relations when dealing with exponents:

$$x^{a}x^{b}=x^{a+b}$$ and $$\frac{x^{a}}{x^{b}}=x^{a-b}$$.

And, of course, $$x^{a}y^{b}\neq xy^{a+b}$$ and the same for the fractions.

Hint: If you click on the LaTeX images above you can see the code and learn how to use it in this forum.

5. Mar 8, 2006

### wScott

Thanks for the tip Assyrian.

But if you have a solution to the above problems it would definitely give me a kick start to my homework.

6. Mar 8, 2006

### assyrian_77

Sorry, but solutions are not just given away. You have to show your work. What have you done so far on these problems?

7. Mar 8, 2006

### wScott

Well I think I've actually figured out the first one, I'm working on the second one rigt now but i might have it in a minute. here's my work for the first one by the wya, tell me if I got it right:
$$\frac{a^{3}b^{-2}} {3^{-1}a^{4}b^{-3}}$$

$$=3a^{-1}b$$

$$=\frac{3b} {a}$$

if you cant see th LaTeX, I probobly put it in wrong, here's my work in plain text:

(a^3 b^-2) / (3^-1 a^4 b^-3)

= 3a^-1 b

=(3b) / a

8. Mar 8, 2006

### assyrian_77

That looks correct. And yes, I can see the LaTeX.

9. Mar 8, 2006

### wScott

Thanks assyrian :)

Well I've looked at a few math help sites and a few tutorials, got some help from a teacher today, and didn't understand the lesson in calss yesterday, but I finally understand it :p

talk about dedication to the "arts" :)

10. Mar 8, 2006

### wScott

Can you explain something to me though?

I have a question that's written like this $$x^{2}y^{-3}$$ but I have no clue as to what they're asking of me.

11. Mar 8, 2006

### assyrian_77

I don't know what the question is either. Do they want you to simplify $$x^{2}y^{-3}$$ or what?

12. Mar 8, 2006

### wScott

I have no clue and they don't tell you what you're supposed to do on the worksheet, which really sucks.

Well I thank you for your assistance Assyrian, but I'm going to go watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire now while I redue all of my homework.

Thanks again, bye.

13. Mar 8, 2006

### assyrian_77

Interesting....I'm soon to go and watch the same movie.