Algebra

How to solve

A negative exponent flips the base into a denominator: b⁻ⁿ = 1/bⁿ.

Steps

  1. Rewrite b⁻ⁿ as 1 over bⁿ.
  2. Evaluate the positive power.
  3. Leave the answer as a fraction.

Example

Evaluate 2^(−3).

  1. 2⁻³ = 1/2³.
  2. 2³ = 8.

Answer: 1/8

How to type answers

  • Answer as a fraction like 1/8
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