How do you simplify #y^-1/ (y^4)^2#?

1 Answer
Apr 11, 2018

Should be #1/y^9#

Explanation:

Your preference but I like to start with the exponents on the bottom because it's easier
Remember that when you distribute an exponent it MULTIPLIES to every other variable in the parenthesis:
For example: #(y^-1)/y^8#
Next, you have to flip the #y^-1# so that it positive because it's math illiteracy to leave a negative exponent:
To fix that just flip it as so:
#1/y^9#
REMEMBER when an exponent is just multiplying to another without parenthesis they add the exponent:
#y^2*y^3=y^5# but #(y^2)^3=y^6#