1. Lesson 4.2 Zero and Negative Exponents
Objective- To solve problems involving negative exponents and zero exponents.
A negative exponent is an inverse! 1
Scientific Calculator
Reciprocal Key x -1 = x
1/x or
Simplify. x -1 1) 3) 5) 2) 4) 6)
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series
Algebra 1 by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint

2. Repetitive Multiplication = 3 = 1
Follow the Pattern! = =
3 3
Repetitive Multiplication = 3 = 1 =
Repetitive Division = =
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

3. x x x 3 3 3 3 9 Negative exponents follow rules of exponents. = = = =
Rule of Common Bases a b
a + b x x x = 3 4 -2
4 + -2 3 3 3 2 9 = = = 81 81 = 9
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

4. ( ) ( ) ( ) x x 2 2 2 8 Negative exponents follow rules of exponents.
Power to Power Rule
( ) b a ab x x = -2
( ) 3
3(-2) -6 2 2 2 = = = = -2
( ) 8 = =
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

5. Simplify. 1) 4) 2) 5) 3) 6)
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

6. Rewrite without using negative exponents. 1)2) 3)
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

7. Rewrite without using negative exponents. 4)5) 6)
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

8. 3 3 3 3 1 1 = = = 9 9 = 1 For all real numbers x, except x = 0,
Simplify. 1
Factor
Explanation
Negative Exponent
Explanation 2 -2
2 + -2 3 3 3 3 1 = = = 9 9 = 1
For all real numbers x, except x = 0,
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

9. Simplify. 1) 4) 2) 5) 3) 6)
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series

10. Find the value of x. 1) 4) 2) 5) 3) 6)
Algebra I by James Wenk © 2003 published by TEACHINGpoint as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series