Question

Describe how (2^3)(2^-4) can be simplifed

Answer 1

Answer:

$2^3\times2^{-4}=\frac{1}{2}$

Step-by-step explanation:

The given expression is

$(2^3)(2^{-4})$

This is the  same as;

$2^3\times2^{-4}$

Recall that;

$a^m\times a^n=a^{m+n}$

This implies that;

$2^3\times2^{-4}=2^{3+-4}$

$2^3\times2^{-4}=2^{-1}$

We now use the following law of exponents

$a^{-m}=\frac{1}{a^m}$

This gives us;

$2^3\times2^{-4}=\frac{1}{2}$