Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Exponents and Powers
Exponents represent repeated multiplication of a base number. For example, in the expression 100^(3/2), the exponent 3/2 indicates that we first take the square root of 100 and then raise the result to the third power. Understanding how to manipulate exponents is crucial for simplifying expressions effectively.
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Negative Exponents
Negative exponents indicate the reciprocal of the base raised to the absolute value of the exponent. For instance, a term like x^(-n) can be rewritten as 1/(x^n). In this question, the instruction to write answers without negative exponents emphasizes the need to express results in a positive exponent format, which is a common requirement in algebra.
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Simplifying Expressions
Simplifying expressions involves reducing them to their most basic form while maintaining equivalence. This process often includes combining like terms, applying exponent rules, and eliminating negative exponents. Mastery of simplification techniques is essential for solving algebraic problems efficiently and accurately.
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Simplifying Algebraic Expressions