Advanced MathHardNegative exponent on a fraction
Advanced Math practice question
For x ≠ 0 and y ≠ 0, which expression is equivalent to (2x/y)⁻²?
- A. y²/(4x²)Correct
- B. −4x²/y²
- C. 4x²/y²
- D. y²/(2x²)
Answer: A. y²/(4x²)
A negative exponent flips the fraction: (2x/y)⁻² = (y/(2x))². Then square top and bottom: y²/(4x²).
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. −4x²/y²
- A negative EXPONENT doesn't make the result negative; it takes a reciprocal.
- C. 4x²/y²
- 4x²/y² is (2x/y)², ignoring the negative sign on the exponent, which means 'flip'.
- D. y²/(2x²)
- After flipping, the 2 must be squared as well: (2x)² = 4x².
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