Negative Exponent Problems

When rewriting a power with a negative exponent, so that it no longer has a negative exponent...

• You must keep the exponent negative.

• You must write the reciprocal of the base.

• You must change the sign of the exponent.

• You must change the sign of the whole power term.

• You must switch the base with the exponent.

Answer explanation

When simplifying a power term with a negative exponent...

-You must write the reciprocal of the power

-You must change the sign of the exponent

You must NOT:

-...keep the exponent negative, because this would not be simplifying the expression.

-...change the sign of the whole power term, because this changes the base of the power term and will no longer be an equivalent expression.

-...switch the base with the exponent, because this changes the base and exponent of the power term and will no longer be an equivalent expression.

Below is an expression with a negative exponent. Select the equivalent expression that has a positive exponent, instead.

Below is an expression with a negative exponent. Select the equivalent expression that has a positive exponent, instead.

Below is an expression with zero and negative exponents. Select the simplified equivalent expression:

• a^-3

• a³

• 3a

• -6
• 8
• -8
• 1/8

Rewrite this expression using a positive exponent.

4^-3

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Rewrite this expression using a positive exponent.

2^-4

Mathematical Equivalence

ON