How do you simplify #r^-2/(4r^5*4r^-5)# and write it using only positive exponents? Algebra Exponents and Exponential Functions Exponential Properties Involving Quotients 1 Answer Tony B May 8, 2017 #1/(16r^2)# Explanation: Note that #1/r^-5# is the same as #5^5# and #r^(-2)# is the same as #1/r^2# Splitting #r^(-2)/(4r^5xx4r^(-5))# gives: #1/4xx1/4xx r^(-2)xx1/r^5xx1/r^(-5)# #1/4xx1/4xx 1/r^2xx1/r^5xxr^(5)# #1/16xx1/r^2xxr^5/r^5# But #r^5/r^5=1 larr# This is the same thing as cancelling, #1/16xx1/r^2=1/(16r^2)# Answer link Related questions What is the quotient of powers property? How do you simplify expressions using the quotient rule? What is the power of a quotient property? How do you evaluate the expression #(2^2/3^3)^3#? How do you simplify the expression #\frac{a^5b^4}{a^3b^2}#? How do you simplify #((a^3b^4)/(a^2b))^3# using the exponential properties? How do you simplify #\frac{(3ab)^2(4a^3b^4)^3}{(6a^2b)^4}#? Which exponential property do you use first to simplify #\frac{(2a^2bc^2)(6abc^3)}{4ab^2c}#? How do you simplify #(x^5y^8)/(x^4y^2)#? How do you simplify #[(2^3 *-3^2) / (2^4 * 3^-2)]^2#? See all questions in Exponential Properties Involving Quotients Impact of this question 1638 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License