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what is the value?

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Joined: 11 Jun 2010
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what is the value? [#permalink]  19 Dec 2010, 07:17
5^-5 - 5^-12 = ?

how do we interpret negative exponents in this case?
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Re: what is the value? [#permalink]  19 Dec 2010, 07:28
Expert's post
smitakokne wrote:
5^-5 - 5^-12 = ?

how do we interpret negative exponents in this case?

Negative exponents: $$a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n}$$.

So, $$5^{-5}-5^{-12}=\frac{1}{5^5}-\frac{1}{5^{12}}=\frac{5^7-1}{5^{12}}$$.

For more check Number Theory chapter of Math Book: math-number-theory-88376.html
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Re: what is the value?   [#permalink] 19 Dec 2010, 07:28
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