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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 16 Page 341

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 two Properties of Exponents. The first one is the Quotient of Powers Property.

Quotient of Powers Property
To divide powers with the same base, subtract their exponents.

We will also 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 these properties.

- 3/(- 3)^2

a=a^1

(- 3)^1/(- 3)^2

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

(- 3)^(1 - 2)

Subtract term

(- 3)^(- 1)

NegExponentToFrac

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

1/(- 3)^1

a^1=a

1/- 3

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