Negative Exponents
Grade 8 · Math · Exponents and Scientific Notation · Hawaii, USA
Lesson Summary
Understand what it means when an exponent is negative.
Explanation
A negative exponent tells you to take the reciprocal. For example, x⁻² means 1/x². It does not make the number negative—it flips it to the bottom of a fraction. Any nonzero number raised to the power of 0 equals 1. These rules follow logically from the division rule for exponents: x² / x⁴ = x⁻², which is the same as 1/x².
Practice Questions
Q1: Simplify: 3⁻²
Answer: 1/9. 3⁻² means 1/3² = 1/9.
Q2: Simplify: 5⁰
Answer: 1. Any nonzero number raised to the power of 0 equals 1.
Q3: Write 1/x⁴ using a negative exponent.
Answer: x⁻⁴. Moving a power from the denominator to the numerator changes the sign of the exponent.
People Also Ask
What is Negative Exponents in Grade 8 Math?+
Negative Exponents is a lesson in the Exponents and Scientific Notation chapter of Grade 8 Math. It is part of the Hawaii, USA school curriculum and covers key concepts that students need to understand at this level.
What grade level covers Negative Exponents?+
Negative Exponents is taught in Grade 8 as part of the Math curriculum in Hawaii, USA.
How can I help my child with Exponents and Scientific Notation in Math?+
Start with the lesson summary and explanation on this page. Practice the questions provided, then use TutorTom for personalized, step-by-step help with Exponents and Scientific Notation topics.