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I know this is very basic, but when evaluating

$\frac{b^{-4}}{b^{-4}}$

Apparently I cannot write it as $\frac{b^4}{b^4}$ by moving the expressions to make them positive. Why can't I do that? The answer is supposed to be $b^8$ not 1, like I originally thought.

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    The answer is $1$.2012-11-06
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    I think you understanding is incorrect. That is clearly 1, ($b \ne 0$). The only way that is $b^8$ is the question is $\frac{b^4}{b^{-4}}$2012-11-06
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    I was looking at my sister's math HW, and I told her it's 1, but apparently that was wrong. That's why I was confused.2012-11-06
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    Well whoever told you it was not 1 was wrong.2012-11-06
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    Okay, oops I made a mistake. Apparently it was $\frac{b^{-4}}{b^4}$ I accidently thought it was a negative. My apologies and thank you all for your help.2012-11-06
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    Then it is $b^{-8}$, or $\frac{1}{b^8}$.2012-11-06

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