Question

If u get a negative answer for exponents is it correct?

Answer 1

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Answer:

  maybe

Step-by-step explanation:

It can be. It depends on the problem.

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The rules of exponents are ...

  (a^b)/(a^c) = a^(b-c)

  a^-b = 1/a^b

Clearly, for division problems if the denominator exponent is larger, the difference 'b-c' will be negative.

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You recall that an exponent is the way we show repeated multiplication.

 x·x·x = x³

In division, like factors cancel, so ...

  $\dfrac{x\cdot x\cdot x}{x\cdot x}=\dfrac{x^3}{x^2}=\dfrac{x}{1}\cdot\dfrac{x\cdot x}{x\cdot x}=x^{3-2}=x^1=x$

Now, consider the same problem "upside down."

 $\dfrac{x\cdot x}{x\cdot x\cdot x}=\dfrac{x^2}{x^3}=\dfrac{1}{x}\cdot\dfrac{x\cdot x}{x\cdot x}=x^{2-3}=x^{-1}=\dfrac{1}{x}$