College Algebra / Unit 1 Alg 031 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Negative Rule of Exponents
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The idea
The negative rule of exponents states that a negative exponent means a reciprocal: a⁻ⁿ = 1/aⁿ for nonzero a.
In practice
3⁻² equals 1/3², which is 1/9 — a small positive number, not a negative one.
Where people slip
The sign moves the power across the fraction bar; it never changes the value's sign.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- Nothing. This is a starting point.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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