Understanding Negative Exponents in Polynomials

The video tutorial explains how to multiply polynomials with negative exponents. It begins with an example of multiplying terms with the same base by adding their exponents, resulting in a negative exponent. The tutorial then demonstrates how to convert this result into a positive exponent by rewriting it as a fraction. A second example is provided, showing how to handle multiplication when the bases are different, emphasizing that exponents cannot be added in such cases. The video concludes with a method to express the result using positive exponents.

What is the result of multiplying x^-9 by x^-5?

• x^-14

• x^-4

• x^14

• x^4

How can x^-14 be expressed with a positive exponent?

• 14/x

• x^-14

• 1/x^14

• x^14

When multiplying a^-3 by b^-5, why can't the exponents be added?

• The bases are different

• The exponents are negative

• The exponents are too large

• The bases are the same

How would you write a^-3 with a positive exponent?

• 3/a

• a^-3

• 1/a^3

• a^3

What is the correct way to express b^-5 with a positive exponent?

• 5/b

• b^-5

• 1/b^5

• b^5