Mastering Negative Exponent Rules

What does the negative exponent rule state?

• A negative exponent indicates the base is on the numerator side of the fraction line.

• A negative exponent indicates the base is on the denominator side of the fraction line.

• A negative exponent means the base is squared.

• A negative exponent means the base is cubed.

If you have x to the negative third power, what does it represent?

• x to the power of three

• x cubed

• 1 over x to the power of three

• 1 over x cubed

In the expression A over B to the negative n, what does it become when simplified?

• B over A to the power of n

• A over B to the power of n

• B to the power of n over A

• A to the power of n over B

What is the first step in simplifying 2X over y squared to the negative 2?

• Square the entire expression

• Add the exponents

• Flip the fraction and change the exponent to positive

• Multiply the exponents

After applying the negative exponent rule to 2X over y squared to the negative 2, what is the next step?

• Divide the exponents of y

• Multiply the exponents of y

• Add the exponents of y

• Subtract the exponents of y

What is the result of squaring 2 in the expression 2X over y squared to the negative 2?

• 8

• 4

• 2

• 16

In the second example, what happens to the negative exponent when the fraction is flipped?

• It is cubed

• It is squared

• It becomes positive

• It remains negative

What is the result of squaring -3 in the second example?

• 3

• 9

• 6

• 12

In the second example, what is the final exponent of a after applying the negative exponent rule?

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

What is the final exponent of B in the second example after applying the negative exponent rule?

• 1

• 4

• 3

• 2