Is Y^a/Y Equal to 1/Y^1-a in Mathematics?

  • Thread starter albert2008
  • Start date
In summary, the question is asking if the expression Y/Y^a is equal to Y^1-a and if Y^a/Y is equal to 1/Y^1-a. The answer is yes, as shown by the general rule for simplifying fractions with powers. The exponents are subtracted in the order "top - bottom" regardless of the order of the terms.
  • #1
albert2008
12
0
Dear People,
I'm sorry that I am putting this question here because it might be very obvious and it might insult some of your intellingence.

Question
I know that Y/Y^a equals

Y^1-a

Does this mean that

Y^a/Y equals

1/Y^1-a ,I just want to know where this is true?

Thank you so much for putting up with my questions.

Peace to all.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
For both answers

[tex]
\frac{Y}{Y^a} = Y^{1-a}
[/tex]

[tex]
\frac{Y^a}{Y} = Y^{a-1} = \frac{1}{Y^{1-a}}
[/tex]

In general:

[tex]
\frac{Y^m}{Y^n} = Y^{m-n} = \frac{1}{Y^{m-n}}
[/tex]

think this way: when you have a fraction in which powers of the same quantity appear in the numerator and denominator, subtract exponents in the order "top - bottom"
 

FAQ: Is Y^a/Y Equal to 1/Y^1-a in Mathematics?

What is the rule for dividing powers with the same base?

The rule for dividing powers with the same base is to subtract the exponents. This means that xa/xb = xa-b.

Can the base of the powers be different when dividing?

No, the base must be the same when dividing powers.

What happens when the exponent in the numerator is smaller than the exponent in the denominator?

If the exponent in the numerator is smaller than the exponent in the denominator, the result will be a fraction with a negative exponent. For example, x2/x5 = 1/x3.

Is it possible to have a negative base when dividing powers?

No, the base of a power cannot be negative when dividing.

Can I simplify the expression xa/xb further?

Yes, if a and b have a common factor, you can simplify the expression by dividing both a and b by that common factor.

Similar threads

Back
Top