Negative and Zero Exponents

Algebra I Chapter 8.4

Negative Integers do NOT mean negative

numbers

Numbers to the Zero Power

• Every number to the Zero Power, such as 50 = 1.

• We can use last lesson’s division of powers as a proof.

Using division to prove• Any number divided by itself equals 1.

• Using the Quotient of Powers Property, the exponents would be subtracted.

•65-5 = 60 = 1

4 4 1 5 56 6 1

Negative Exponents•Negative Exponents do not

mean negative numbers.

4-5 =3-2 =7-4 =

2

1

32

1

7

5

1

4

Solve.c-4 * c4

d4f3 = d4-6 f3-3 =d-2 f0 =

d6f3

4

4

1

1

c

c

4

4

c

c

2

1

d

Simplify.

b6*b-2 =b4 = 1 b4 b4

-3y-2

-6p-7

8a4b7c-4

3a6b-6c-4

Simplify.

-3y-2 = -3 y2

-6p-7 = -6 p7

8a4b7c-4 = 8 a4-6b7--6c-4--4 = 8 b13 3a6b-6c-4 3 3 a2

**(c0=1 which when multiplied is no longer part of the answer.