For x 0, which expression is equivalent to (x^(−1/2))⁴?

Question

For x > 0, which expression is equivalent to (x^(−1/2))⁴?

Accepted Answer

A. 1/x². A power of a power multiplies the exponents: (−1/2) × 4 = −2, giving x⁻². A negative exponent means a reciprocal: 1/x².

Answer

B. x² — The sign of the exponent was lost. (−1/2)(4) = −2, and x⁻² is 1/x², not x².

Answer

C. −2x — −2 is the exponent, not a coefficient. x⁻² means 1 over x squared.

Answer

D. 1/x^(1/2) — The exponent wasn't multiplied by 4. Raising to the 4th power turns −1/2 into −2.

Advanced Math practice question