Simplify x^-3

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Exponent rules · Algebra 1

Step by step

Question: simplify x⁻³.

x^-3

Why?

x² over x⁵: crossing out leaves 3 x's on the bottom, so it is 1/x³.

With the rule it is x⁻³.

So they are the same.

x²x⁵ = 1x³

x²x⁵ = x^{2 − 5} = x^-3

A minus in the power means 1 over.

So we get 1/x³.

= 1x³

Answer

= 1x³

Try this one yourself, then check:

Simplify x^-4

Show the answer

1x⁴