a^5 / a^8 The answer cannot have a negative exponent. Please explain how you got your answer.
2007-11-18 10:43:06 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
a^5 / a^8 = a^(-3) = 1 / a³
Note
x^ (- y) = 1 / x^(y)
2007-11-22 06:35:41 · answer #1 · answered by Como 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ya gotta !FLIP! it.
a^5 / a^8 = a^-3 = 1/a^3
Why does it flip? Well it's a mathematical rule and here's how it works.
[(a^5) * (1/a^5)] / [(a^8) * (1/a^5)] = 1 / [(a^8)/(a^5)] =
1/a^3
So raising a number to a negative exponent means to flip the number and raise it to absolute value of the previous exponent.
2007-11-18 10:59:01 · answer #2 · answered by UnknownD 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...A unfavorable exponent in basic terms means which you're dividing by applying that huge form after elevating it to the capability. So in basic terms flow that section to the denominator, and it turns right into a impressive exponent. 40 two x^11 y^-5 = 42x^11 / y^5
2016-10-17 04:57:01 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a^5/a^8 = a(^-3)
= 1/a^3
Don't forget that a(^-b) is the same as 1/a^b
2007-11-18 10:57:24 · answer #4 · answered by Joe L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a^5 / a^8
=(a.a.a.a.a) / (a.a.a.a.a.a.a.a)
=1 / a.a.a
=1/a^3
Hope this helps, Twiggy.
2007-11-18 10:57:33 · answer #5 · answered by Twiggy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋