Question

Write this expression with a positive exponent and then simplify. 9a^-1

Answer 1

When you have a negative exponent, you move the base with the negative exponent to the other side of the fraction to make the exponent positive.

For example:

$5^{-2}$ or $\frac{5^{-2}}{1}=\frac{1}{5^2} =\frac{1}{25}$

$\frac{1}{x^{-4}}=\frac{x^4}{1}$ or  $x^4$

$3x^{-5}$ or  $3^1x^{-5}=\frac{3}{x^5}$

$9a^{-1}$    Make the exponent positive

$\frac{9}{a}$        (this is as far as you can simplify)