Simplifying monomials

[Mickandpenny]

I am studying Algebra and having trouble with this problem. Thank you for any help you can offer.

x[8] * x[1] * x[-25] * x simplified is:

a) 1/x[6]
b) x[-6]
c) x[45]
d) 1/x[5]
e) x[-5]

Adding the exponents I get: 8 + 1 - 25 + 1 = -15

I keep getting x[-15] = 1/x[15] which is not an answer choice.

 

[Dr.Peterson]

Are you using brackets to indicate an exponent? The traditional way is "^", as in x^8; or you can use the "x²" button in the editor to make x⁸.

But you're right about the answer, assuming you copied the problem correctly. Can you attach a picture of the problem as written, so we can be sure we're reading it right?

 

[Mickandpenny]

Oh yes, the brackets mean exponent. My bad. Thank you for the feedback.

 

[Dr.Peterson]

Actually, I was thinking of the original form, presumably printed or online, in case you copied it wrong yourself.

But I just noticed that a and b, and d and e, are equal, so if one of those had been correct, you would have to judge exactly what "simplified" means, which is somewhat subject. Probably you have been taught that it is not simplified if there is a negative exponent, but that is not always required.

Anyway, we're probably done unless you see something in the original that doesn't exactly match what you wrote.