Understanding Negative Exponents

Mr. B explains negative exponents, focusing on how they flip the base and change the exponent's sign. He provides examples like 5^-2 and 2^-3, demonstrating the process of converting them into positive exponents by taking the reciprocal of the base. The video includes several examples to help students understand and practice the concept, emphasizing that the base's sign does not change, only the exponent's sign. Mr. B concludes by encouraging students to practice to master negative exponents.

What is the main challenge students face when first learning about negative exponents?

• Remembering multiplication tables

• Understanding the concept of reciprocals

• Graphing linear functions

• Solving quadratic equations

What does a negative exponent do to the base of a number?

• It subtracts one from the base

• It squares the base

• It takes the reciprocal of the base

• It doubles the base

How would you express 5 to the power of -2 using positive exponents?

• 5^2

• 1/5^2

• 5^-2

• 1/5^-2

What is the result of 2 to the power of -3?

• 1/8

• 6

• 1/6

• 8

How do you simplify x to the power of -2?

• x^2

• 1/x^2

• x^-2

• 2/x

What is the simplified form of 1 over 2 to the power of -2?

• 1/2

• 4

• 2

• 1/4

How do you express -3/4 to the power of -2?

• -4/3^2

• -3/4^2

• -4/3^2

• 3/4^2

What happens to the sign of the base when dealing with negative exponents?

• The base becomes zero

• The sign of the base remains the same

• The sign of the base changes

• The base becomes negative

Why is it important to practice negative exponents?

• To learn calculus

• To gain confidence and understanding

• To improve graphing skills

• To memorize multiplication tables

What is the reciprocal of -2/3 to the power of -4?

• -3/2^4

• 3/2^4

• 2/3^4

• -2/3^4