OK I need help with this problem I am trying to figure out exactly where I have gone wrong with it I am not sure even if I have done it right

Evaluate and simplify; express answer with only positive exponents. (25a^8b^16)^-1/2

now I don't see where I can make the check mark thingie for sqrt... so I will try to do my best here with what I have so far..

Ö25*a^2*a^2*a*2*a^2*b^16 factor a^8 into a^2*a^2*a^2*a^2

Ö25*a^2*a^2*a*2*a^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^ 2 factor b^16 into

b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2*b^2

OK so here's were I feel I am doing this wrong cause it makes no sense so I have stopped and need help with this problem.Thanks for your help in advance

Oh Gosh...

Put it simpler:



How did I do that you may ask, I'll show you;



So, if you have two powers, you multiply them.

See, (a^2)^2? Multiply 2 and 2, keeping a as it is.

Now, if it's a negative, keep the same rule;



Got it?

I hope that helped! :)