Exponents

What are Exponents? 🚀

An **exponent** tells us how many times to multiply a **base** number by itself. For example, in $$3^4$$, the number **3** is the base and **4** is the exponent. This means we multiply 3 by itself 4 times: $$3 \times 3 \times 3 \times 3 = 81$$.

**Negative Exponents:** A negative exponent means we need to take the reciprocal of the base and make the exponent positive. For example, $$3^{-2}$$ is the same as $$\frac{1}{3^2}$$, which equals $$\frac{1}{9}$$.

**Negative Bases:** When the base is negative, pay close attention to the exponent.

If the exponent is **even**, the result is **positive**. Example: $$(-2)^4 = (-2)(-2)(-2)(-2) = 16$$
If the exponent is **odd**, the result is **negative**. Example: $$(-2)^3 = (-2)(-2)(-2) = -8$$

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Video: Exponents with Negative Bases 🎬

This video will walk you through how to evaluate exponents with negative bases.

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Practice Problems

Evaluate each exponential expression.

1) $$(-3)^2$$

Answer =

2) $$(-4)^3$$

Answer =

3) $$2^{-3}$$

Answer =

4) $$(-5)^2$$

Answer =

⚡ Exponents Speed Quiz

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