Question

simplify. express your answer as a single term, without a denominator. $b cdot b^{-4}$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall exponent product rule

When multiplying like bases, add exponents: $x^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n}$

Step2: Rewrite $b$ as $b^1$

$b = b^1$, so $b \cdot b^{-4} = b^1 \cdot b^{-4}$

Step3: Apply exponent rule

$b^{1 + (-4)} = b^{1-4}$

Step4: Calculate the exponent

$1-4 = -3$, so the result is $b^{-3}$

Answer:

$b^{-3}$