Question

question 1

how can the following expression be simplified and written without negative exponents?

\\\frac{b^{-5}b^3}{b^{-9}}\\

• \\(b^{17}\\)
• \\(b^7\\)
• \\(b^{-1}\\)
• \\(b^{-7}\\)

Explanation:

Simplify the numerator

Using the Exponentiation Rules knowledge point

$$ b^{-5} \cdot b^{3} = b^{-5 + 3} = b^{-2} $$

Apply the quotient rule

Using the Exponentiation Rules knowledge point

$$ \frac{b^{-2}}{b^{-9}} = b^{-2 - (-9)} = b^{-2 + 9} = b^{7} $$

Answer:

• (A) \(b^{17}\)
• (B) \(b^{7}\) (Correct answer)
• (C) \(b^{-1}\)
• (D) \(b^{-7}\)