Simplifying Expressions with Integer Exponents

Property Rewrite terms with negative exponents as fractions, such as $x^{ n} = \frac{1}{x^n}$. Once all terms have positive exponents and common denominators, combine them by adding or subtracting the numerators.

Examples $\frac{4c}{d^2} \frac{7c}{d^2} = \frac{4c 7c}{d^2} = \frac{3c}{d^2}$ $xy^{ 2} + \frac{5x}{y^2} = \frac{x}{y^2} + \frac{5x}{y^2} = \frac{x+5x}{y^2} = \frac{6x}{y^2}$.

Explanation Negative exponents are just shy and hiding in the wrong spot! A negative exponent in the numerator wants to be in the denominator. Move it to its happy place, and then you can combine terms that share the same denominator. It's all about getting everyone to the right party.