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Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life, Grade 8

BI

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

4. Zero and Negative Exponents

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Exercise 2 Page 338

What does the definition of a negative exponent say?

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Practice makes perfect

To simplify the given exponential expression, we will use the definition of a negative exponent.

Negative Exponents
a^(- n)=1/a^n, for every nonzero number a

Let's evaluate the given expression using this definition.

(- 2)^(- 5)

NegExponentToFrac

a^(- m)=1/a^m

1/(- 2)^5

NegBaseToNegPow

(- a)^5 = - a^5

1/- 2^5

Calculate power

1/- 32

MoveNegDenomToFrac

Put minus sign in front of fraction

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Subchapter links

Try It p.338-339

Self-Assessment for Concepts & Skills p.339

Self-Assessment for Problem Solving p.340

Review & Refresh p.341

Concepts, Skills, & Problem Solving p.341-342