Negative exponents

Key Notes :

Definition of Exponents:

  • An exponent represents the number of times a base is multiplied by itself. For example, ana^nan means aaa is multiplied by itself nnn times.

Understanding Negative Exponents:

  • A negative exponent indicates that the base should be taken as the reciprocal.
  • For example:

Learn with an example

Write the expression as a whole number with a negative exponent. Do not evaluate the expression.

1/49 =______

There is a positive exponent, 9, in the denominator. You can rewrite the expression with an exponent of –9 instead.

1/49 =4-9

Write the expression as a fraction with a positive exponent. Do not evaluate the expression.

35–2 =_____

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.

35-2=1/352

Write the expression as a whole number with a negative exponent. Do not evaluate the expression.

1/58 =_____

There is a positive exponent, 8, in the denominator. You can rewrite the expression with an exponent of –8 instead.

1/58=5-8

let’s practice!