Describe steps to simplify w(5w^3)^-2 / w^-4

[w*(5w^3)^-2]/(w^-4)

first rules to consider a^(-b)=1/a^b, (a^b)^c=a^(b*c),   (a^b)*(a^c)=a^(b+c)

[w/(5w^3)^2]/(w^-4) 

(w*w^4)/(25w^6)

w^5/(25w^6)

Then you have the quotient rule for powers (a^c)/(a^b)=a^(c-b)

1/(25w)

which we could state as:

(25w)^(-1) :P

You can find the area of a rectangle by multiplying the length and height. so multiply 1/2*7/4(which is the simpler version of 1 3/4) and you get 7/8 as your answer.