answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

No, there is a big difference between 2^(-4) and (-2)^4

The first is 1/16 and the second is 16.

A negative exponent is the reciprocal of a positive exponent. a^b is going to be 1/ (a^(-b)),

Similarly, (a^b)*(a^(-b))=1 for two reasons. First multiplying reciprocals cancels them out. Second, when you multiply the same base you add the exponents, so (a^b)*(a^(-b)) = a^0 which equals 1◄

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Do negative exponent not mean to make the base number negative?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How do you make a negative exponent positive?

You can do it if you replace the base by its reciprocal.


How do you make a decimal into a negative exponent?

You look at the denominator first. Then you try to find out what exponents make the denominator. After doing that, you add a negative symbol to the smaller number on the exponent.


How do you get rid of negative exponents?

Negative exponents indicate that the number for which the exponent applies to should be placed under one. Ex: 2^(-3) also can be expressed as 1/(2^3) or 1/8. So, to eliminate the negative exponent, simply place the number (and the accompanying exponent) under one to make a fraction.


How do you write a decimal using a negative exponent?

When you have a negative exponent (for example 3^-3) you could make the recipricol of the number. So, this would be 1/3^3. Then all that you would have to do is solve for the exponent ( so in this case the answer would be 1/27)


What is the exponent of zero is?

no exponent can make a number equal to zero, however any number with an exponent of zero is one.


Can you make a sentence with exponent?

Yes: In algebra, an "exponent" is a number or symbol, written without any spacing but above the general base line, after another number or symbol that is on the general base line. If the exponent is a whole number, it shows how many times the symbol or number on the base line is to be multiplied by itself in calculating the value of any expression. For example, in the algebraic sentence, "x2 + y2 = 10", both of the numbers "2" are exponents.


HOW DO convert scientific notation to decimalnumbers?

The exponent tells you how many spaces to move the decimal, remember to add zeros as needed. If the exponent is negative make it a decimal number less than one by moving the decimal to the left. If the exponent is positive make the decimal number greater than one by moving the decimal to the right.


What is x to the negative 7th power?

When we have x to a negative exponent we can move the x to the denominator and make the exponent positive. So x-7 is the same as 1/x7


What does a negative exponent mean?

"Dose" is a measured portion of a medicine. I am not aware of any exponents that have anything to do with measured quantities of medication! A negative exponent is simply the reciprocal of the corresponding positive exponent. Thus x^(-a) = (1/x)^a for non-zero x.


How do a make a fraction into a negative exponent?

Any non-zero fraction is the same as its reciprocal raised to the power of -1.So 3/4 = (4/3)-1 and there you have your negative exponent!


How do I make a fraction into a negative exponent?

Any non-zero fraction is the same as its reciprocal raised to the power of -1.So 3/4 = (4/3)-1 and there you have your negative exponent!


In exponential growth functions the base of the exponent must be greater than 1. How would the function change if the base of the exponent were 1 How would the function change if the base of the expon?

"The base of the exponent" doesn't make sense; base and exponent are two different parts of an exponential function. To be an exponential function, the variable must be in the exponent. Assuming the base is positive:* If the base is greater than 1, the function increases. * If the base is 1, you have a constant function. * If the base is less than 1, the function decreases.