negative exponents

[blndchic0822]

The problem is:

9 - x[sup:114p2is0]-2[/sup:114p2is0]
_______
3 + x[sup:114p2is0]-1[/sup:114p2is0]



The answer is supposed to be... 3x - 1 / x however im not sure how to work with negative exponents within a problem so im unable to reach that answer.

 

[mmm4444bot]

im not sure how to work with negative exponents

It's an easy definition to remember:

x^(-n) = 1/x^n

Some quick examples:

4^(-1) = 1/4^1 = 1/4

a^(-b) = 1/a^b

(x + 1)^(-2) = 1/(x + 1)^2

If you need refresher lessons, google keywords: negative exponents