Question

simplify.
\frac{y^{-4}}{y^{-5}}
write your answer with a positive exponent only.

Explanation:

Step1: Apply exponent rule for division

When dividing exponents with the same base, subtract the exponents: $\frac{a^m}{a^n}=a^{m - n}$. So for $\frac{y^{-4}}{y^{-5}}$, we have $y^{-4-(-5)}$.

Step2: Simplify the exponent

Calculate $-4 - (-5)=-4 + 5 = 1$. So the expression becomes $y^{1}$.

Step3: Write the final form

$y^{1}$ is just $y$.

Answer:

$y$