Question

-12m^{4}n^{-3}p^{-2}
options:
\frac{m^{4}}{-12n^{3}p^{2}}
\frac{-12}{m^{4}n^{4}p^{2}}
\frac{-12n^{3}p^{2}}{m^{4}}
\frac{-12m^{4}}{n^{3}p^{2}}

Explanation:

Step1: Apply negative exponent rule

Recall $a^{-k}=\frac{1}{a^k}$. Rewrite $n^{-3}$ and $p^{-2}$:
$$-12m^4n^{-3}p^{-2} = -12m^4 \cdot \frac{1}{n^3} \cdot \frac{1}{p^2}$$

Step2: Combine terms into single fraction

Multiply the terms together:
$$-12m^4 \cdot \frac{1}{n^3} \cdot \frac{1}{p^2} = \frac{-12m^4}{n^3p^2}$$

Answer:

$\frac{-12m^4}{n^3p^2}$ (matches the bottom teal card)