Negative exponents

Front

What is a negative exponent?

Back

A negative exponent indicates that the base should be taken as the reciprocal raised to the opposite positive exponent. For example, a^(-n) = 1/(a^n).

Front

Rewrite using a positive exponent: w^-13

Back

1/w^13

Front

Simplify: 2^-3 ⋅ 2^-4

Back

1/128

Front

Rewrite using a negative exponent: 1/(-5)^7

Back

(-5)^-7

Front

Rewrite using a positive exponent: g^-7

Back

1/g^7

Front

What is the rule for multiplying powers with the same base?

Back

When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: a^m ⋅ a^n = a^(m+n).

Front

What is the rule for dividing powers with the same base?

Back

When dividing powers with the same base, subtract the exponents: a^m / a^n = a^(m-n).

Front

What happens when you raise a power to another power?

Back

When raising a power to another power, multiply the exponents: (a^m)^n = a^(m*n).

Front

What is the value of 10^0?

Back

10^0 = 1, for any non-zero base.

Front

How do you express a fraction with a negative exponent?

Back

A fraction with a negative exponent can be rewritten as the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent: 1/a^-n = a^n.