Use the laws of exponents to simplify each expression using positive exponents only. Assume all variables represent nonzero real numbers.
-$x ^ { - 8 } x ^ { 6 }$
A) $\frac { 1 } { x ^ { 2 } }$
B) $- \frac { 1 } { x ^ { 2 } }$
C) $- x ^ { 2 }$
D) $x ^ { 2 }$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When multiplying powers with the same base, you add the exponents: $x^{-8} \cdot x^{6} = x^{-8+6} = x^{-2}$, which simplifies to $\frac{1}{x^2}$.

Use the Laws of Exponents to Simplify Each Expression Using x−8x6x ^ { - 8 } x ^ { 6 }x−8x6

Use the Laws of Exponents to Simplify Each Expression Using $x ^ { - 8 } x ^ { 6 }$