Writing Without Negatives
Part of the Exponents & Polynomials section of Coddy's Algebra journey. Lesson 29 of 64.
Simplified answers are usually written with positive exponents, so the finishing move of many problems is a rewrite: x^-4 becomes 1/x^4, and going the other way, 1/x^2 can be written x^-2 when a single line is wanted.
Only the factor with the negative exponent moves. 5x^-2 is 5/x^2: the 5 has exponent 1 and stays upstairs. The minus in the exponent belongs to the x alone, by the binding rule that has run through this whole section.
In letters: a^-n = 1/a^n, one more sentence for the collection, and the last one this chapter needs.
Challenge
EasyWrite 4y^-3 without a negative exponent. Type it onto the canvas.
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Exponents & Polynomials
1What a Power Is
Repeated MultiplicationSquares and CubesPowers of Negative NumbersWhere the Minus LivesRecap: First Powers4Power of a Power
A Power Raised AgainWhy Exponents MultiplyProduct Rule or Power Rule?The Rule in LettersRecap: Power of a Power2The Product Rule
Multiplying Same BasesWith CoefficientsMore Than Two FactorsThe Rule in LettersRecap: The Product Rule5Product and Quotient Powers
Every Factor Gets the PowerWith a Number InsideA Power of a QuotientAll Three Rules TogetherRecap: Products and Quotients8What a Polynomial Is
Terms with PowersThe DegreeLike Terms, Only StrongerRecap: Meet the Polynomials11Dividing by a Monomial
Splitting the FractionDividing by a Variable TermBigger SplitsCancel with CareRecap: Dividing3The Quotient Rule
Dividing Same BasesWhy Exponents SubtractWith CoefficientsThe Rule in LettersRecap: The Quotient Rule6Zero and Negative Exponents
The Zero ExponentZero at WorkNegative Means ReciprocalWriting Without NegativesPowers of TenRecap: Zero and Negative