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.

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

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

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

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

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

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

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

• a^-3

• a³

• 3a

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

• -6
• 8
• -8
• 1/8

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

Rewrite this expression using a positive exponent.

4^-3

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1

Rewrite this expression using a positive exponent.

2^-4

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Tags

CCSS.8.EE.A.1