Simplify negative exponents/fraction

sugarcats

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Sep 24, 2006
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Please help me simplify the following problem. The answer in my book seems wrong.

Problem:

xy^2/ z^4

I don't see how the problem can be simplified further--there are no neg exponents in it. The book says the answer is: xy^2z^4 but I don't see how you can just move the z^4 to the top. The only other choice that makes sense is xy^2z^-4 but this seems more complicated with the negative z exponent on the top. i thought that simplifying means to get rid of the negative exponents. I have tried plugging in the #2 for all variables and still get the same answer which the book says is wrong (I'm hoping it's a typo)

thanks, carol
 
Yes, I believe it must be a typo.

That expression does not simplify further and

\(\displaystyle \frac{xy^{2}}{z^{4}}\neq{xy^{2}z^{4}}\)

They may have moved the negative z exponent up top, but why?.
 
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