Working with Negative Exponents

Date: 10/21/95 at 10:28:42
From: Anonymous
Subject: Multiplying/dividing with exponents

Is multiplying by 10 to the negative 3rd power the same as 
dividing by 10 to the positive 3rd power? 

Date: 10/21/95 at 23:13:13
From: Doctor Andrew
Subject: Re: Multiplying/dividing with exponents

Yes it is, because in general, if x = yz then a^x = (a^y)^z = 
(a^z)^y

So, 10^(-3) = (10^3)^(-1).  That is the reciprocol of 10^3, and 
multiplying by the reciprocol of 10^3 is the same as dividing by 
10^3.

-Doctor Andrew,  The Geometry Forum