Understanding negative exponents
Key Notes :
1. Definition of Negative Exponent:
- A negative exponent represents the reciprocal (flipping) of the base raised to the positive exponent.
- Mathematically, for any non-zero number a and integer n, the following rule holds
where n is a positive integer.
Learn with an example
Write the expression as a fraction with a positive exponent. Do not evaluate the expression.
9-2
The base has a negative exponent, –2. You can rewrite the expression as a fraction with a numerator of 1 and a positive exponent, 2, in the denominator.
Write the expression as a whole number with a negative exponent. Do not evaluate the expression.
1/73
There is a positive exponent, 3, in the denominator. You can rewrite the expression with an exponent of –3 instead.
Write the expression as a fraction with a positive exponent. Do not evaluate the expression.
5–3
The base has a negative exponent, –3. You can rewrite the expression as a fraction with a numerator of 1 and a positive exponent, 3, in the denominator.
Let’s practice!🖊️
