Question

simplify.
\frac{y}{y^{4}}

Explanation:

Step1: Recall exponent rule for division

When dividing two terms with the same base, we subtract the exponents: $ \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m - n} $ (where $ a
eq 0 $). Here, the base is $ y $, $ m = 1 $ (since $ y = y^1 $) and $ n = 4 $.

Step2: Apply the exponent rule

Substitute into the formula: $ \frac{y^1}{y^4} = y^{1 - 4} = y^{-3} $

Step3: Rewrite with positive exponent (optional, but common)

A negative exponent means the reciprocal with positive exponent: $ y^{-3} = \frac{1}{y^3} $

Answer:

$ \frac{1}{y^3} $ (or $ y^{-3} $)