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

Rewrite w^-13 using a positive exponent.

Back

1/w^13

Front

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

Back

1 (e.g., 8^0 = 1).

Front

Rewrite 1/125 using a negative exponent.

Back

5^-3

Front

Simplify x^-7.

Back

1/x^7

Front

What is (-2)^3?

Back

-8

Front

How do you convert a negative exponent to a positive exponent?

Back

By taking the reciprocal of the base. For example, a^(-n) = 1/(a^n).

Front

What does it mean when a number has a positive exponent?

Back

It indicates how many times to multiply the number by itself. For example, 3^2 = 3 * 3 = 9.

Front

If a^m * a^n = a^? What is the rule?

Back

a^(m+n) (Add the exponents when multiplying like bases).

Front

If a^m / a^n = a^? What is the rule?

Back

a^(m-n) (Subtract the exponents when dividing like bases).