Simplify the following algebraic expression and express your answer using positive exponents only. $b ^ { - 1 } b ^ { - 4 }$
A) $\frac { 1 } { b ^ { 5 } }$
B) $b ^ { - 5 }$
C) $b ^ { 5 }$
D) $\frac { 1 } { b ^ { 7 } }$
E) $\frac { 1 } { b ^ { - 3 } }$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When multiplying same bases with different exponents, we can add the exponents. Therefore, 
$$b^{-1}b^{-4}=b^{-1-4}=b^{-5}=\frac{1}{b^5}$$
The answer is Choice A.

Simplify the Following Algebraic Expression and Express Your Answer Using b−1b−4b ^ { - 1 } b ^ { - 4 }b−1b−4

Simplify the Following Algebraic Expression and Express Your Answer Using $b ^ { - 1 } b ^ { - 4 }$