exponents

[dmaskill]

please simplify:

y-5
___
y8

 

[Denis]

Hint:
1 / x^(-1) = x
Where's your math teacher?

 

[stapel]

please simplify:

y-5
___
y8

What you have written means the following:

. . . . .\(\displaystyle \frac{y\, -\, 5}{y\times8}\)

Was the previous poster correct in guessing that you actually meant the following?

. . . . .\(\displaystyle \frac{y^{-5}}{y^8}\)

If not, please reply using standard web-safe notation to clarify your meaning. Thank you. :wink:

 

[lookagain]

Re:

please simplify:

y-5
___
y8

What you have written means the following:

. . . . .\(\displaystyle > >\)\(\displaystyle \frac{y\, -\, 5}{y\times8}\)\(\displaystyle < <\)

Do not use this, especially as an \(\displaystyle x\) looks so similar to a \(\displaystyle \times\) sign.


Instead, present it as one of the following:

\(\displaystyle \frac{y - 5}{y(8)} \ \ or \ \ \frac{y - 5}{8y}\)

 

[stapel]

an \(\displaystyle x\) looks so similar to a \(\displaystyle \times\) sign.

In the default font for the forum's posts, yes, "x" and "×" are dangerously similar. In LaTeX typesetting, hower, the two characters appear (to me, at least) to be quite distinct. :wink: