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Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life, Grade 8

BI

Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life, Grade 8 View details

1. Exponents

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Exercise 34 Page 324

Pay close attention to the order of operations.

2

Practice makes perfect

According to the order of operations, the exponent is calculated before the division.

| (- 1/2)^3 ÷ (1/4)^2 | For this, we must first calculate the exponent followed by the division. Then we will be able to calculate the absolute value. Moreover, when we divide by a fraction, it is easier to multiply by its reciprocal.

Operation	Before Simplification	After Simplification
Calculate Power	\| ( - 1/2)^3 ÷ ( 1/4)^2 \|	\| ( - 1/8) ÷ ( 1/16) \|
a/b÷c/d=a/b*d/c	\| ( - 1/8) ÷ ( 1/16) \|	\| ( - 1/8) * ( 16/1) \|
Multiply Fractions	\| ( - 1/8) * ( 16/1) \|	\| - 2 \|
Find Absolute Value	\| - 2 \|	2

The expression equals 2.

Alternative Solution

Using a Calculator

We can also evaluate this expression using a calculator. To do so, type it as shown below.

Subchapter links

Try It p.320-321

Self-Assessment for Concepts & Skills p.321

Self-Assessment for Problem Solving p.322

Review & Refresh p.323

Concepts, Skills, & Problem Solving p.323-324