## anonymous 5 years ago simplify 1/2 into -1

1. anonymous

Is this possible? Have you missed out an x?

2. anonymous

well, this expression reads like this, the 1/2 is in a parenthesis and the -1 is an exponent of it outside the paranthesis

3. anonymous

You mean like $(1/2)^{-1}$?

4. anonymous

Yes

5. anonymous

Ok. Well, a negative integer exponent can be written, thus: $a ^{-n}= 1/a^n$ So, $(1/2)^{-1} = 1/(1/2)$ which will be 2. Hope this helps you understand it a little better.

6. anonymous

You know, I am not sure of how to type the exponents into this area so I will just write the problem for you. I hope you understand. What about simplifying an X with an exponent of 2 by a X with an exponent of 3. Oh, by the way thank you for the first problem, it really helps a lot. Thank you very much.

7. anonymous

see you later

8. anonymous

$x^2 / x^3$ If, so, then written out in a longer hand will make it easier to understand: $(x \times x) /( x \times x \times x)$ so, four of the x will cancel out, simplifying the question to $1/x$