Quick question.. (algebra related) ?

Question

if you have an equation like:

(-2x^5y^-3)^3 where the x^5 and y^-3 are both affected by the ^3 outside parentensis,

whats the rule on the exponents?

Answer 1

Mult exponents

(-2)^3x^15y^-9 = -8 x^15 / y^9

Answer 2

You can't do anything to combine the x^5 and y^-3 because they're different variables. To simplify multiply each of the different exponents by the 3 on the outside. Don't forget to cube the -2 as well.

(-2x^5y^-3)^3 = -8 x^15 y^-9