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

Rewrite using a positive exponent: (-5)^-4

Back

1/(-5)^4

Front

Rewrite using a positive exponent: w^-13

Back

1/w^13

Front

Simplify: x^-7

Back

1/x^7

Front

Evaluate: 2^-3

Back

1/2^3 = 1/8

Front

What is the value of 5^-2?

Back

1/5^2 = 1/25

Front

If a = 3, what is the value of a^-2?

Back

1/a^2 = 1/3^2 = 1/9

Front

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

Back

It means to rewrite the expression using positive exponents and then simplify.

Front

Rewrite using a positive exponent: (1/4)^-2

Back

4^2

Front

What is the rule for multiplying powers with negative exponents?

Back

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