Negative and Zero Exponents Algebra

Simplify

• -16

• 16

Simplify

Simplify

Simplify

It is not proper to write answers with negative exponents. How do we "take care of" negative exponents?

• Write no solution if there is a negative exponent

• Just leave the negative exponent. It is mathematically okay.

When you see a negative exponent... (check ALL that apply)

• ... if it is in the numerator, flip it to the denominator and make the exponent positive

• ... if it is in the numerator, keep it there and make the exponent positive

• ... if it is in the denominator, keep it there and make the exponent positive

• ... if it is in the denominator, flip it to the numerator and make the exponent positive

x^-3

• 1/x³

• 1/x^-3

• 3x

• 1/3x

Mathematical Equivalence

ON

Rewrite using a positive exponent.
w^-13

• -w¹³

• ¹/_w¹³

• ¹/_w^-13

• w¹³

Make this negative exponent positive.
9^-3

• 9³

• 1/9^-3

• 1/9³

• 729