Flashcard 6 - Mathematics Knowledge Flashcard Set for the ASVAB

\(a^{-n} = \dfrac{1}{a^{n}}\) or \(\dfrac{1}{a^{-n}} = \dfrac{a^{n}}{1}\)

Remember: Negative exponents shouldn’t be in a simplified expression. To fix this, basically, move any values with a negative exponent to the other side of the fraction, and make the exponent positive. In this case: \(\dfrac{a^{-2}}{b^{-3}} = \dfrac{b^{3}}{a^{2}}\), which is the final answer.