Question

simplify. express your answer as a single term, without a denominator. $p \cdot p^{-1}$

Explanation:

Step1: Apply exponent product rule

When multiplying terms with the same base, add exponents: $p^a \cdot p^b = p^{a+b}$
So $p \cdot p^{-1} = p^{1 + (-1)}$

Step2: Simplify the exponent

Calculate the sum in the exponent: $1 + (-1) = 0$
This gives $p^0$

Step3: Use zero exponent rule

Any non-zero base to the 0 power is 1: $p^0 = 1$

Answer:

$1$