Question

simplify. express your answer as a single term, without a denominator.
$q^{-5} \cdot q^{8}$

Explanation:

Step1: Apply zero exponent rule

Any non-zero term to the power of 0 is 1.
$q^0 = 1$

Step2: Simplify the product

Multiply the remaining term by 1.
$q^{-5} \cdot 1 = q^{-5}$

Step3: Rewrite to remove denominator

Use the negative exponent rule $a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$, but since we need no denominator, we keep the negative exponent form as required.

Answer:

$q^{-5}$