Fractions Involving Exponents

Simplify each of the following. Assume a, x, and y are not zero.
1) 103 over 102 
2) –x2y over (-x2)2 y2
  

1.) 103 over 102
= 101   {when dividing, subtract the exponents}
= 10

2.) –x2 over (-x2)2 y2
= -x2 over x4 y2   {when you have a power to a power, multiply exponents}
= -1 over x2 y2  {cancel x2 with x4}   

- Algebra House