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Mathematics
Quarter 2 – Module 3:
Laws on Exponents (Positive,
Negative and Rational
Exponents)
Mathematics – Grade 9
Quarter 2 – Module 3: Laws on Exponents (Positive, Negative and Rational Exponents),
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Region XI

Regional Director: Allan G. Farnazo
Assistant Regional Director: Maria Ines C. Asuncion

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Julie Grace I. Navarro, Roman John C. Lara

Editor: Alcy Mae R. Gracia
Reviewers: Alcy Mae R. Gracia, Riza G. Balandra
Illustrator: Julie Grace I. Navarro
Layout Artist: Julie Grace I. Navarro
Template Developer: Neil Edward D. Diaz
Management Team: Reynaldo M. Guillena
Alma C. Cifra
Aris B. Juanillo
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Antonio A. Apat

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Department of Education – Region XI

Office Address: DepEd Davao City Division, E. Quirino Ave.

Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Philippines
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Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning at home. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage
and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

As a learner, you must learn to become responsible of your own learning. Take
time to read, understand, and perform the different activities in the module.
As you go through the different activities of this module be reminded of the
following:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try before moving on to the other activities.
3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are done.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not
alone. We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it !
 Let Us Learn
In this module, you will apply the theorems that you had learned in the previous
lessons. After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Demonstrate understanding involving positive integral exponents to zero and

negative integral exponents, and rational exponents.
2. Applies the laws involving positive integral exponents to zero and negative integral
exponents, and rational exponents. M9AL-lld-1
3. Simplifies expressions with rational exponents. M9AL-IIe-1

Let Us Try

Hi Learner! How are you? Welcome to another module that you are about to
take the challenge. Before you proceed to the life learning activities, we will first
assess your background knowledge regarding this lesson.

Direction: Read carefully and understand the given questions. Choose the letter of
the correct answer. Write the letter of your corresponding answer on a separate sheet
of paper.

1. Which of the following expression is not equal to 1?

a.(127xyz)0 b. o c.41/2 d.

2. What is the simplified form of 3 • 52 − 10 • 5 + 1?

a.328 b. 101 c. 34 d. 26

3.What is the exponential form of the expression -2•2•2•2•x•x•y•y•y ?

a. –(2)4 b. x3y2 c. -2•23x2y3 d. 22x2y3

4. Which of the following is true?

1 1 1 3
a. 52 + 53 = 55 c. (33 )2 = 32

2
2 2
23 1
b. 1 = 29 d. 4−3 = 2
23 43

5. Rewrite g-7 using a positive exponent.

1 1
a. b. c. 𝑔7 d. 𝑔−7
𝑔7 𝑔−7

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6. The following statements are TRUE except
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𝑦 𝑥2 1
a. 𝑥 −2
𝑦 = 𝑥2 b. c. d. 1 = 𝑥4
𝑥4

7. Which among the expressions is a Perfect Square?

a. 10 b. 90 c. 121b2 d. 25xy2

𝑋𝑛
8. What is the value of n that will make the statement 𝑥6
= 𝑥 0 TRUE?
a. 0 b.-6 c.6 d.12

9. Evaluate −2−2 ● 43 ● 30 .

a.−20 b. -16 c.16 d. 20

10. Which statement is TRUE about the square of any real number?
a. It is always negative.
b. It is always positive.
c. It has two values – one positive and the other negative.
d. The sign depends on whether the exponent is odd or even.

11. Which of the following is true for 26540 and 50?

a. 26540 is greater than 50
b. 50 is greater than 26540
c. 26540 is equal to 50.
d. 26540 and 50 are both greater than zero.

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12. In the expression xy3z, what is the base of the exponent 3?
4
1
a. xyz b. xyz c. y d.z
4

13. Evaluate −52 ∙ 23 ∙ 30.

a. 200 b. 0 c. -60 d. -200

14. Which of the following shows 3 as a power of 2?

a. 20 b. 21 c. 22 d. 23

15. How is 43 related to 4-3?

a. 43 is the opposite of 4-3 . c. 43 is the additive inverse of 4-3.
b. 43 is the reciprocal of 4-3. d. 43 is the negative of 4-3.

16. Simplify (x16y0z8)1/4.

a. x2z4 b. z4z2 c. xyz d. x

𝑥 2 𝑦 −3 -1
17. Simplify ( ) . Only use positive exponents.
𝑧2

𝑧2 𝑥2 𝑧2 𝑦3 𝑦3 𝑧2
a. b. c. d.
𝑥 2 𝑦2 𝑦3 𝑥2 𝑧2 𝑥2

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18. Derive the given radical expression ( 𝑛√𝑎)n from the law of rational
exponents.
a. a-1 b. a c. a1/n d. an
24
𝑠1/4
19. Simplify ( 𝑡1/8 ) .

24𝑠6 𝑠6 𝑠6 𝑡3
a. b. c. d.
𝑡3 24𝑡3 𝑡3 𝑠6

𝑏5 1
20. What value of n in =
𝑏𝑛 𝑏
will make the equation TRUE?

a. 6 b. 1 c. -1 d. -6

Let Us Study

In this lesson, you will learn the concepts of the laws of exponents. These
knowledge and skills may help you understand zero, negative, and rational
exponents. As you go through this lesson, think of the following important question:
“How do we simplify expressions with zero, negative integral, and rational exponents?
How can we apply what we learn in solving real-life problems? To find the answer,
understand each illustrative examples and perform each activity. Further, some real
numbers raised to a rational exponent, such as (-1)1/2, are not real numbers. In such
cases, some of the laws of exponents can be applied to simplify such expressions.
Aside from the laws of exponents, you are also required to use your understanding
of addition and subtraction of similar and dissimilar fractions.

PART I. LAWS ON EXPONENTS

1. Product Rule – when multiplying like bases, we add their

exponents.

Examples:

a. (3x2y3)(-5xy) = (3●-5)(x2●x)(y3●y) b. (a3b4)(a2b2c) = a3●a2)(b4●b2)(c)

= -15x2+1 y3+1 = a3+2 b4+2c

= -15x3y4 = a5b6c

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2. Power Rule – when we raise a base to two exponents, we multiply those
exponents together.

Examples:

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a. (-c5)2 = -c5(2) = c10 b. (-x3)3 = -x3(3) = -x

3. Power of a Product Rule – when we have a PRODUCT raised on exponent,

we can simplify by raising each base in the product to that exponent.

Examples:

a. (2x2y2)3 = 23 ∙ x2(3) ∙ y2(3) b. (-2p ∙ 2q3)3 =(-2)3p323q3(3)

= 8 x6 y6
= (-8p3) (8q9)
3 9
= -64 p q

4. Quotient Rule – when dividing like bases, we subtract their exponents.

Examples:

𝑥6 𝑐4 𝑑6
a. = 𝑥 6−4 b. = 𝑐 4−2 𝑑 6−1
𝑥4 𝑐2 𝑑

= x2 = 𝑐 2𝑑5

5. Power of a Fraction Rule – when we have a QUOTIENT raised to an exponent,

we can simplify by raising each base in the numerator and denominator of the
fraction to that exponent

Examples:
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𝑚2 5
𝑚2 · 5 7𝑥 3 73 (𝑥 3●3)
a. ( ) = b. ( 2) =
𝑛 𝑛5 9𝑦 93 (𝑦 2●3)

𝑚10 343𝑥 9
= =
𝑛5 729𝑦 6
6. Zero Exponents Rule – any number, except zero, is raised to an exponent of
zero, it is always equal to one

Let us consider the example below. The exponents in the numerator and
5
7
denominator are the same. If we apply the quotient rule to the fraction 5 , we could
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obtain 70. Also, any nonzero number divided by itself is equal to 1.

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 7·7·7·7·7
7·7·7·7·7
Definition of
5
7 1 zero exponent
5
7

7 3–3 = 70

Examples:
0
a. 8𝑥 2 𝑦 0 = 8 ● 𝑥2 ● 1 b. (4𝑥 2 𝑦 3 ) = 1

= 8𝑥 2

7. Negative Exponents Rule - this says that negative exponents in the

numerator get moved to the denominator and become positive exponents. Negative
exponents in the denominator get moved to the numerator and become positive
exponents. Only move the negative exponents.
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7
Let us consider the fraction 5, where the exponent of the numerator is
7
less than the exponent of the denominator. If we apply the quotient rule, we
1
obtain 7−3 . If we divide out common factors of 7, we obtain 3 .
7

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75

Examples:
1 1
a. 𝑝−1 = b. (3x)-3 =
𝑝1 (3𝑥)3

1 1
= =
𝑝 27𝑥 3

(5𝑚)2 144𝑠 3 𝑡 −4 144 1 3 −4

)(𝑟 2 )(𝑠𝑠5)(𝑡−2)
1
c. = d. =(
(5𝑚)−2 1 9𝑟 −2 𝑠 5 𝑡 −2 9 𝑡

= (5𝑚)2 = 16𝑟 2 𝑠 −2 𝑡 −2

16𝑟2
= 25m2 =
𝑠 2 𝑡2

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PART II. SIMPLIFYING EXPRESSIONS RATIONAL EXPONENTS.
3 1
1. Simplify 64 2 ● 64 2
3 1 3 1
642 ∙ 642 = 64(2+2) Apply Product Rule for Exponents
4 where you can add the exponent of the
= 642 same base then, follow the rule in
= 642 dividing fractions.
= 4, 096

1
52
2. Simplify 1
53
1
1 1
52 (2 − 3)
1 =5 apply Quotient Rule for exponents
53
3 2
( 6 − 6)
=5 subtracting dissimilar fractions
1
= 56 simplest form
1 1
3. Simplify 32 ∙ 272
1 1 1
32 ∙ 272 = (3 ∙ 27)2 apply Power Rule for exponent
1
= 81 2 simplest form
1
4. Simplify (210 )2
1 1
(210 )2 = 2 10 ● 2 apply Power Rule for exponents
= 25 evaluate exponential expression
= 32 simplest form
1
−3
29
5. Simplify (36 )
1
29
−3 9∙−1
2 3
(36 ) = apply Power of a Fraction Rule for exponents
6∙−1
3 3

−9
2 3
= simplify fraction exponents
−6
3 3

2−3
= apply Negative Exponents Rule
3−2

32
= evaluate exponential expressions
23
9
= simplest form
8

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 Let Us Practice
Activity 1: Inbox Message

Task: A message is hidden in the answer box. Follow the steps to decode it.

Step 1. Simplify each expression in the Question Box.

Step 2. Match your answer with those found in the Answer Box.

Step 3. Take note of the word/mark above each expression. Write this in the
appropriate space below its corresponding answer in the Answer Box.

Question Box:

Answer Box:

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 Let Us Practice More
Activity 2: Complete Me!
Direction: Simplify the following expressions with rational exponents by completing
the table with solutions. Write your answers in simplest form.

Given Solution Simplest Form

1. 46

1
−3
26
2. ( 53 )

2 4
3. (𝑚3 )●(𝑚3 )

1
4. (𝑟12 𝑠9)3

𝑎4 2
5. ( 6 )
𝑏

Let Us Remember

✔ The exponent of a number says how many times you multiply the
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number to itself. For example: 2 = 2 x 2 x 2 = 8.

✔ The following are some of the laws on exponents:

1. Product Rule – when multiplying like bases, we add their exponents
2. Power Rule – when we raise a base to two exponents, we multiply those
exponents together
3. Power of a Product Rule – when we have a PRODUCT raised on exponent, we
can simplify by raising each base in the product to that exponent
4. Quotient Rule – when dividing like bases, we subtract their exponents.
5. Power of a Fraction Rule – when we have a QUOTIENT raised to an exponent,
we can simplify by raising each base in the numerator and denominator of the
fraction to that exponent
6. Zero Exponents Rule – any number, except zero, is raised to an exponent of
zero, it is always equal to one.
7. Negative Exponents Rule - this says that negative exponents in the

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 numerator get moved to the denominator and become positive exponents.
Negative exponents in the denominator get moved to the numerator and
become positive exponents. Only move the negative exponents.

Exponential expressions are said to be in SIMPLEST FORM if:

1. all the exponents are positive,
2. there are no powers of powers,
3. each base appears only once, and
4. all fractions are in simplest form.

In simplifying expressions with rational exponents, make sure to remember the

following:
✔ apply the law of exponent applicable to simplify the expression, and
✔ when 2 or more rational exponent are present, simplify them using
operations on fractions, if applicable.

Expressions with rational exponents are said to be in simplest form if:

✔ all the exponents are positive,

✔ there are no power of powers,
✔ each base appears only once, and
✔ all fractions, whether the base or exponent, are in simplest form.

Let Us Assess

Direction: Read carefully the questions. Write on a separate sheet of paper the
letter of your corresponding answer.

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 Let Us Enhance

Activity 3: Write about Me!

A Math magazine is looking for new and original

articles for its edition on the topic Zero, Negative
and Rational Exponents Around Us. As a
freelance researcher/writer, you will join the
said competition by submitting your own
article/feature. The output will be evaluated by
the chief editor, and other writers of the said
magazine. They will base their judgement on the
accuracy, creativity, mathematical reasoning,
and organization of the report.

Rubric

4 3 2 1
Categories
Excellent Satisfactory Developing Beginning
Demonstrate a
Demonstrate a
thorough
satisfactory Demonstrate
understanding Show lack of
understanding incomplete
Mathematical of the topic and understanding
Concept
of the concepts understanding
use it and have severe
and use it to and have some
appropriately to misconceptions.
simplify the misconceptions.
solve the
problem.
problem.
The The The The
computations computations computations computations
are accurate and are accurate are erroneous are erroneous
Accuracy show a wise use and show the and show some and do not
of the key use of key use of the key show the use of
concepts of zero, concepts of concepts of zero, key concepts of
negative, and zero, negative, negative, and zero, negative,

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 rational and rational rational and rational
exponents. exponents. exponents. exponents.
Illogical and
Highly Satisfactorily
Somewhat obscure. No
organized. Flows organized.
cluttered. Flow is logical
Organization smoothly. Sentence flow
not consistently connections of
of Report Observes logical is generally
smooth, appears ideas. Difficult
connections of smooth and
disjointed. to determine
points. logical.
the meaning.

Article/ Feature:

How do you find the task being done? Attach picture/s on how you
_____________________________________________ performed the task.
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

What are the challenges encountered?

_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

What are the values you learned from the

performance task?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

How will you use these learning/insights in

your daily life?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

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 Let Us Reflect

Activity 4: Complete me!

This lesson is not as difficult as others might think. We only need to focus and follow
the rules and laws in order for us to arrive the right answer.

Complete me!

I am happy because in this module I learned

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

But somehow there are difficulties I encountered like

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

So then, to improve myself, I need to

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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 Answer Key

A 20. A 20.
C 19. D 19.
A 18. Pray To Be A Strong Person. C 18.
B 17. Pray Not for an Easy Life; Instead A 17.
B 16. C 16.
B 15. Let Us Practice C 15.
D 14. C 14.
D 13. B 13.
C 12. A 12.
C 11. B 11.
B 10. B 10.
C 9. C 9.
C 8. D 8.
C 7. C 7.
C 6. A 6.
A 5. A 5.
D 4. D 4.
C 3. C 3.
D 2. B 2.
C 1. 4,096 A 1.

Let Us Assess Let Us Practice More Let Us Try

References

Basic Education Curriculum (2002). Mathematics II

CK-12.2014. Zero, Negative, and Fractional Exponents. Accessed November 2020.

https://www.ck12.org/book/ck-12-algebra-i-second-edition/section/8.3/

Department of Education Learning Materials: Mathematics 9.

Orlando A. Oronce & Marilyn O.Mendoza. 2019. E-Math. Manila: Rex Bookstore,
Inc.

Sources

https://www.mesacc.edu/~scotz47781/mat120/notes/exponents/rational/
rational_exponents.html

https://www.vedantu.com/maths/laws-of-exponents

https://sites.austincc.edu/tsiprep/math-review/exponents/zero-exponents-and-
negative-exponents/
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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region XI

F. Torres St., Davao City

Telefax:

Email Address: lrms.regionxi@deped.gov.ph

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