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 absolute value of the exponent. For example, a^-n = 1/a^n.

Front

Simplify: 2^-3

Back

1/2^3 = 1/8.

Front

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

Back

Any non-zero number raised to the power of 0 is equal to 1.

Front

Rewrite using a positive exponent: 4^-2

Back

1/4^2.

Front

Simplify: 10^-1

Back

1/10.

Front

What does the expression x^-n represent?

Back

x^-n = 1/x^n.

Front

Simplify: 7^-2

Back

1/7^2 = 1/49.

Front

What is the relationship between negative exponents and fractions?

Back

Negative exponents can be expressed as fractions, where the base is in the denominator.

Front

Rewrite using a positive exponent: y^-5

Back

1/y^5.

Front

Simplify: (3^-2) * (3^3)

Back

3^(3-2) = 3^1 = 3.