how do you simplify fractions with exponets

The exponent applies to the numerator and denominator separately. (1/2)² = 1²/2² = 1/4. For negative exponents, the numerator becomes the denominator and vice versa. (1/2)^-2 = 2²/1² = 4/1 = 4. Anything raised to the power of 0 is one. For fractional exponents, take the denominator root and raise that to the numerator. (1/2)^1/2 = square root of 1/2 raised to the power of 1. (1/2)^4/7 = seventh root of 1/2 raised to the fourth.