Negative Exponents

Front

What is a negative exponent?

Back

A negative exponent indicates that the base should be taken as the reciprocal and raised to the opposite positive exponent. For example, a^-n = 1/a^n.

Front

How do you simplify an expression with a negative exponent?

Back

To simplify an expression with a negative exponent, rewrite it as the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent. For example, x^-3 = 1/x^3.

Front

What is the value of any non-zero number raised to the power of zero?

Back

Any non-zero number raised to the power of zero is equal to 1. For example, 5^0 = 1.

Front

Rewrite w^-13 using a positive exponent.

Back

w^-13 = 1/w^13.

Front

What is the rule for multiplying powers with the same base?

Back

When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents. For example, a^m * a^n = a^(m+n).

Front

What is the rule for dividing powers with the same base?

Back

When dividing powers with the same base, subtract the exponents. For example, a^m / a^n = a^(m-n).

Front

What happens when you raise a power to another power?

Back

When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents. For example, (a^m)^n = a^(m*n).

Front

What is the value of 0 raised to any positive exponent?

Back

0 raised to any positive exponent is 0. For example, 0^3 = 0.

Front

What is the value of 0 raised to the power of 0?

Back

0 raised to the power of 0 is considered indeterminate in mathematics.

Front

How do you express a fraction with a negative exponent?

Back

A fraction with a negative exponent can be expressed as the reciprocal of the fraction raised to the positive exponent. For example, (1/x)^-n = x^n.