what is the answer to simplifying this equation:
25a^-2 b^-5 c^8/40 a^5 c^9
(25a^-2 b^-5 c^8)/(40 a^5 c^9)
I made changes assuming that is what you meant.
= 5/(8a^7 b^5 c)
Usually, it is considered simplified if no negative exponents are hanging around.
check with your teacher what they consider "simplified"