College Algebra / Unit 1 Alg 032 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Negative-Exponent Sign Error
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The idea
The negative-exponent sign error reads a⁻ⁿ as a negative number; a negative exponent reciprocates and never negates.
In practice
3⁻² is 1/9. The error answers −9, importing the minus sign from the exponent into the value.
Where people slip
A positive base to any real power stays positive.
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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