To simplify the expression , you can apply the rule of exponents that states . In this case, you subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator: . Therefore, the simplified form is . If you want to express it positively, it can also be written as .

Also, remembering that any expression with a negative exponent represents a reciprocal can help avoid confusion between negative and positive expressions. So, rather than getting stuck on the negative, just think of it as offering a new perspective on the value of !