Negative Exponents

Front

What is a negative exponent?

Back

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

Front

Simplify: s^-5 ⋅ s^-2

Back

1/s^7

Front

Simplify: 2^-3 ⋅ 2^-4

Back

1/128

Front

What does it mean to rewrite an expression with a negative exponent?

Back

It means to express the base as a fraction with a positive exponent. For example, 1/a^n = a^-n.

Front

Rewrite 1/125 with a negative exponent.

Back

5^-3

Front

Rewrite 1/(-5)^7 with a negative exponent.

Back

(-5)^-7

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.

Front

Simplify: y^6 * y^0

Back

y^6

Front

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

Back

When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: 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: a^m / a^n = a^(m-n).