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View Full Version : Algebra II: Negative Exponents


contagiousxoutrageous
Nov 19, 2007, 07:34 PM
I get that you add exponents when you multiply them. I get that you subtract them when you divide.

But I don't get this problem.

y^-3 / y^-32

Would it be y^-35?

That doesn't work in the equation thing.

HELP.

(:

-Sara

andreafc
Nov 20, 2007, 04:37 AM
You are right, that doesn't work! Think about it: when you divide, you SUBTRACT exponents, right? What if you SUBTRACT (-32) from -3? That gives you newexponent=-3-(-32)=-3+32...