0
To make things simple, to begin with, ignore the minus sign. Raise the now positive number to the positive power like you usually would. Then, if the power is even, leave the answer as it is. But if the power is odd, put a minus sign in front.
For example:
For (-2)2, ignore the minus sign so 22 = 4. 2 is even so the answer is 4.
For (-2)3, ignore the minus sign so 23 = 8. 3 is odd so the answer is -8.
* * * * *
That is correct as far as it goes but beware: this does not work with positive fractional powers.
x1/2 = sqrt(x) which, if x < 0, is not real.
but
x1/3 = cuberoot(x) exists in the same way as described above. For example, (-8)1/3 = cuberoot of (-8) = -2
Life gets even more complicated with powers that are positive but irrational. Don't even think of going there without some serious mathematical background. But once you have that, it is all very straightforward.
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How do you solve a positive number with a negative exponent?
turn the positive number into its recipricol and the put the number of the negative number on the top
Why does a positive times a negative produces a negative?
Because when there is a positive and a negative in the same problem, it gives you a negative. An easy way to solve problems like that is if there is an odd number of negative signs, then your answer is going to be negative. If there is an even number of negative signs, then your answer is going to be positive. (no matter if there is a positive sign in a math problem).
How do you determine negatives or positives in math equations?
Numbers are justified as positive, which is usually written as just a number but can be written with a plus (+) sign in front of the number. (e.g. 15 or +15), or negative. Negative numbers are numbers in the negative integers, or below 0. They are written with a minus (-) sign in front of them. (e.g. -15) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ..::To solve remember these rules::.. When multiplying: positive x negative = negative positive x positive = positive negative x negative = positive When dividing: positive / negative = negative positive / positive = positive negative / negative = positive When adding: In a positive + negative situation, if the negative number has a higher number than the positive (e.g. -25 + 10) then the number is negative, this is always true when adding a higher negative to a positive. If the positive has a higher number (e.g. 25 + -10) then it's just the opposite, it will be a positive number. -------------You can solve these very easily: 25 + -10 --> (25) + (-10) to keep it well organized and easier to work with,now just remember "Keep Change Change"... - keep 25 as it is, change "+" to a "-" and change the "-10" to a positive 10. As a result, you will have: 25 - 10. Now solve. Answer = 15 (positive). If for instance you have a negative + positive, the same rules apply (Keep Change Change) negative + negative = negative positive + positive = positive When subtracting: negative - positive (vice versa), use Keep Change Change as you did with adding positives and negatives. negative - negative, use Keep Change Change positive - positive, use Keep Change Change if the number you are subtracting is a higher number. (e.g. 10-15) If you need anymore help, try asking a more specific question again on Wikianswers, search for math websites on the web, or ask your teacher or college professor for help.
How do you solve 4 - -2?
6
What examples of common misconceptions students have when working with positive and negative numbers?
Working with a number line to solve there problems.
