Any good at maths?? Help!!

[nickle730]

Ok, couldn't figure out where else to post this... It is my niece's Year 8 homework and we can't find anyone who knows the answer:

a(-6) x a(8) = ????

Think I typed it properly... a to the power of negative six, multiplied by a to the power of eight.

Heeeeellllllppppppp!!!!

[*TripleJ*]

its a(-6)x a( 8) = a(-6+8) = a(2) im pretty sure thats it if i can remember correctly lol

[*TripleJ*]

when multiplying powers where the base is the same add the powers

[butterfly_warrior]

TripleJ, I'm going to give you a great big tick! Absolutely correct. If it's division, you subtract the powers.

The base is the bit that's being raised to a power.

Yep - used to be a maths teacher.

[*TripleJ*]

lol i know Mr Phillips would be really proud of me he he
i was a straight A student but i did have a sneaky google after i answered

[nickle730]

One very happy 12 year old and her aunty say thank you!