Properties of Negative Exponents
Properties —
To Rewrite a Quotient Using Positive Exponents
A factor that contains a negative exponent may be rewritten on the
other side of the division bar by changing the sign of the exponent.
| Property |
Example 1 |
Example 2 |
 |
 |
 |
Here, x
≠ 0 and y
≠ 0.
A fraction raised to a negative exponent may be rewritten as the
reciprocal of the fraction raised to the corresponding positive
exponent.
| Property |
Example 1 |
Example 2 |
 |
 |
 |
Here, x ≠ 0 and y
≠ 0.
Example 1
Simplify and write using only positive exponents:
Solution
Use this property:
 |
 |
Example 2
Simplify and write using only positive exponents:
Solution
Use this property:
 |
 |
 |
| Use the Power of a Quotient Property.
|
|
 |
| Simplify. |
|
 |
