Negative Exponents Practice Problems - Master Powers with Negative Exponents

Master negative exponents with step-by-step practice problems. Learn to convert negative powers to fractions, simplify expressions, and solve complex algebraic equations.

πŸ“šMaster Negative Exponents Through Interactive Practice
  • Convert expressions with negative exponents to positive fraction form using a^(-n) = 1/a^n
  • Simplify complex fractions containing bases with negative exponents
  • Apply negative exponent rules to algebraic expressions with variables and coefficients
  • Solve multi-step problems involving division of powers with negative exponents
  • Master fraction inversion when entire fractions have negative exponents
  • Combine negative exponent rules with other power laws for complex expressions

Understanding Negative Exponents

Complete explanation with examples

When we see any number(positive or negative) raised to a negative power we can convert the expression into a fraction and we will do it as follows:
the numerator will be 11, the denominator will be the base of the power as seen in the original exercise, but now, with a positive exponent.
That is to say, in the denominator we will invert the exponent to positive.
Pay attention, we will not modify the sign of the base of the potentiation even if it is negative.
Property formula:
aβˆ’n=1ana^{-n}=\frac {1}{a^n}
This property also applies to algebraic expressions.

Detailed explanation

Practice Negative Exponents

Test your knowledge with 18 quizzes

Insert the corresponding expression:

\( \frac{1}{3^2}= \)

Examples with solutions for Negative Exponents

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

(14)βˆ’1 (\frac{1}{4})^{-1}

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the power property for a negative exponent:

aβˆ’n=1an a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n} We will write the fraction in parentheses as a negative power with the help of the previously mentioned power:

14=141=4βˆ’1 \frac{1}{4}=\frac{1}{4^1}=4^{-1} We return to the problem, where we obtained:

(14)βˆ’1=(4βˆ’1)βˆ’1 \big(\frac{1}{4}\big)^{-1}=(4^{-1})^{-1} We continue and use the power property of an exponent raised to another exponent:

(am)n=amβ‹…n (a^m)^n=a^{m\cdot n} And we apply it in the problem:

(4βˆ’1)βˆ’1=4βˆ’1β‹…βˆ’1=41=4 (4^{-1})^{-1}=4^{-1\cdot-1}=4^1=4 Therefore, the correct answer is option d.

Answer:

4 4

Video Solution
Exercise #2

5βˆ’2 5^{-2}

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the property of powers of a negative exponent:

aβˆ’n=1an a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n} We apply it to the problem:

5βˆ’2=152=125 5^{-2}=\frac{1}{5^2}=\frac{1}{25}

Therefore, the correct answer is option d.

Answer:

125 \frac{1}{25}

Video Solution
Exercise #3

4βˆ’1=? 4^{-1}=\text{?}

Step-by-Step Solution

We begin by using the power rule of negative exponents.

aβˆ’n=1an a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n} We then apply it to the problem:

4βˆ’1=141=14 4^{-1}=\frac{1}{4^1}=\frac{1}{4} We can therefore deduce that the correct answer is option B.

Answer:

14 \frac{1}{4}

Video Solution
Exercise #4

7βˆ’24=? 7^{-24}=\text{?}

Step-by-Step Solution

Using the rules of negative exponents: how to raise a number to a negative exponent:

aβˆ’n=1an a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n} We apply it to the problem:

7βˆ’24=1724 7^{-24}=\frac{1}{7^{24}} Therefore, the correct answer is option D.

Answer:

1724 \frac{1}{7^{24}}

Video Solution
Exercise #5

19βˆ’2=? 19^{-2}=\text{?}

Step-by-Step Solution

In order to solve the exercise, we use the negative exponent rule.

aβˆ’n=1an a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n}

We apply the rule to the given exercise:

19βˆ’2=1192 19^{-2}=\frac{1}{19^2}

We can then continue and calculate the exponent.

1192=1361 \frac{1}{19^2}=\frac{1}{361}

Answer:

1361 \frac{1}{361}

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rule for negative exponents?

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The negative exponent rule states that a^(-n) = 1/a^n. When you see a negative exponent, you can rewrite it as a fraction with 1 in the numerator and the base with a positive exponent in the denominator.

How do you solve problems with negative exponents step by step?

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Follow these steps: 1) Identify terms with negative exponents, 2) Apply the rule a^(-n) = 1/a^n to convert to fractions, 3) Simplify the resulting fractions, 4) Combine like terms if applicable. Always keep the base unchanged, only flip the exponent sign.

Does a negative exponent make the answer negative?

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No, a negative exponent does not make the final answer negative. For example, 3^(-1) = 1/3, which is positive. The negative sign only affects the exponent's position, converting the expression to a fraction form.

How do you handle fractions with negative exponents?

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When an entire fraction has a negative exponent like (a/b)^(-n), you invert the fraction and make the exponent positive: (a/b)^(-n) = (b/a)^n. The numerator and denominator switch places.

What are common mistakes when working with negative exponents?

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Common errors include: β€’ Thinking negative exponents create negative results β€’ Changing the sign of the base instead of just the exponent β€’ Forgetting to apply the rule to each term separately β€’ Not simplifying fractions after conversion

How do negative exponents work with variables and coefficients?

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Separate the coefficient from the variable first. For example, 3Β·5x^(-7) = 3Β·5Β·x^(-7) = 3Β·5Β·(1/x^7) = 15/x^7. Only the variable with the negative exponent gets converted to fraction form.

Can you use negative exponent rules with algebraic expressions?

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Yes, negative exponent rules apply to all algebraic expressions. Whether you have numbers, variables, or complex expressions as the base, the rule a^(-n) = 1/a^n always applies consistently.

What's the difference between (-3)^(-2) and -3^(-2)?

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(-3)^(-2) means the entire negative number is raised to the power: (-3)^(-2) = 1/(-3)^2 = 1/9. However, -3^(-2) means only 3 has the negative exponent: -3^(-2) = -(1/3^2) = -1/9.

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