This math skill teaches how to multiply exponents when one exponent is positive and the other is negative. The skill includes expanding the exponents, simplifying by canceling terms, and applying the rule that multiplying powers adds the exponents to simplify the expression to a single exponent.
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Exponent multiplication positive by negative to positive
Test your understanding of exponent multiplication positive by negative to positive by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.
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Let's multiply these exponents
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First let's expand the exponents. Remember that 'P' to the negative 3 is the same as 1 over 'P' to the power of 3.
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Now we can cancel top and bottom. 3 P's on each are cancelled.
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We can simplify to just 'P'
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A quick rule is that multiplying adds the powers. 4 plus negative 3 is 1, so our answer is 'P' to the power of 1, which is just 'P'