Exponents are numbers that are written to show that a value must be multiplied times itself a specific number of times. The value that is multiplied times itself is called the "base." Using exponents with bases is also referred to as raising a base to a certain "power." If you have a negative exponent attached to a base, there are several simple steps that you must take in order to simplify th expression.
Instructions
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1
Write the number 1.
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2
Draw a fraction division bar underneath the 1 or to the right of it.
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3
Write the base, followed by the exponent underneath or to the right of the fraction bar. Omit the negative sign with the exponent. For example, b^-9 would be transformed into 1/b^9.