This week in math we learned about negative exponents and how to deal with them

Unlike with positive exponents, the bigger the exponent the larger the number. If you have a negative exponent and number will be smaller than 1.

2⁴ = 16

2³ = 8

2² = 4

2¹ = 2

2⁰ = 1

2^-1 =

2^-2 =

2^-3 = $latex \frac{1}{-8}

To solve for a negative fraction, we need to find the reciprocal fraction. For example is the reciprocal of . When we reciprocate a negative exponent, the exponent because positive and the question becomes easier to solve. Reminder, when you reciprocate, it only applies to the exponent, so a positive 4 will not become negative if you reciprocate it.

3^-2

Reciprocate

=

A good way to remember this is too think about wanting to make the exponents happy. If a exponent is negative, or unhappy, move it to where it will be positive, or happy.