Negative Integer Exponents Quick Check
The expression 4^(-2) can be written as 1/4^2, which simplifies to 1/16. Therefore, 4^(-2) is equal to 1/16.
To simplify negative integer exponents, you can use the rule:
a^(-n) = 1 / (a^n)
Here are the steps to simplify negative integer exponents:
Step 1: Identify the base and the exponent.
Step 2: Rewrite the expression using the rule above.
Step 3: Calculate the value of the simplified expression, if needed.
Let's go through an example:
Example: Simplify 3^(-2).
Step 1: In this case, the base is 3 and the exponent is -2.
Step 2: Apply the rule: 3^(-2) = 1 / (3^2) = 1 / 9.
Step 3: The simplified value of 3^(-2) is 1/9.
You can follow these steps to simplify any negative integer exponents.