C: Negative and zero exponents MCR3

THEORY

 A negative exponent moves a number or variable between the numerator and the

1 1
=c7 .
−3
denominator, e.g. b = 3 and −7
b b

 A zero exponent of any base is 1, e.g. 6 0=1.

Where do these rules come from?

When working with negative exponents, it’s easiest to make them positive as soon as you can. If the
question has a negative exponent, move it to the numerator or denominator and make it positive first. If
you do a calculation and get a negative exponent, move it in the step after you get it.

2 a3 b 2 4 x−1
e.g. Simplify e.g. Simplify −2 3
6 a2 b (3 b c )

4 p 4 q7 5 a b−2 x 6
e.g. Simplify e.g. Simplify
3 p7 q−3 25 a−3 x15
 C: Negative and zero exponents MCR3
U

Practice: Page 16 Q2, Q3f, g, h, I, j, Q6 d, e, Q7 i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, Q8, Q9, Q, 14, Q15, Q16, Q17