simplify exponential expression with negative exponents

[Fabbyboy69]

Only negative factors should be used to find the reciprocal right?

[robichaudd]

@Fabbyboy69 Only find the reciprocal when a base has a negative exponent. The sign of the base itself doesn't matter. All that matters is the sign of the exponent.

[EmillCodGod96]

Thanks bro

[pyaolyangshen]

Thanks a ton

[coolkiddude08]

thank you for the help!!!

[PenguinSplash]

Thank you very much. =)

[mrmichael20]

Awesome!!! Thanks much

[TheZezeshow]

wtf this did not help me :\ OMG stupid math

[release2]

Thank you

[sydsquid99]

Thanks I understand it now! :)

[SDBdub619]

Question...how do you get the -5...I see m^-2 n^5

[robichaudd]

@SDBdub619 The -5 comes from the fact that we need to subtract the exponents when two expressions with a like base are being divided. For the n^-4/n^5 we get n^(-4-5) ... which is n^(top exponent - bottom exponent). Not sure if that answers your question. Let me know if not...

[weeblerbob]

@SDBdub619 you need to subtract the 5 from the -4.

making it -4-5

[Puppydog321]

you didnt help me at all!!

[DemiMileyJB4life]

thank you!

[merragspy]

thanks for the help

[alkatrezs]

ya this is easy, but what about m to the -4 plus n to the -5th over m-n ?

[5aja12]

helped me on my math exam :)

[iortizvictory]

What if the base is negative?

[robichaudd]

Then you have to deal with the negative sign as you apply the exponent rules. To see some examples of negative bases go to my channel and search on "simplify exponential expressions". A couple of the problems there have negative bases.

[wmaproductions]

Your not even my teacher but you helped me sooo much!!! thank you!!!