math sitesmath for kidsmath for ages 13-100algebra lessonsteachers math areaparents math areamath gamesScience MonsterSpike's Game Zone
Coolmath Books: Math Anxiety & Success, Algebra, Precalculus ReviewOTHER SITES:Finance FREAKTotally Stressed Out

Cool math Prealgebraby Karen at Coolmath.com

Coolmath Prealgebra
Exponents lesson 3 - Exponents with Negative Bases   (page 1 of 3)
---- This prealgebra lesson explains how to figure out the answers to exponents with negative numbers for bases.
line
Graphing Calculator Scientific Calculator << a new window will open for these
line
Remember some terms:

3^4  The basis is 3 and the exponent (power) is the 4.

The first place that negative numbers can appear is in the base.

What I'm going to show you now is a REALLY common place to mess up in Algebra...  So, pay extra close attention!

Are these the same?

(-5)^2  and -5^2

Other than some purple on one of them, I'll bet you aren't so sure.

They are, actually, VERY different...  So, let's learn what each one means!

(-5)^2
The parenthesis are important!
They put a box around the negative!

(-5)^2 = (-5)(-5) = 25

Remember that a negative times a negative is a positive!
 

Continued on the next page

 The printing, distribution and/or downloading of these lessons is strictly prohibited.

line
Graphing Calculator Scientific Calculator << a new window will open for these
line
 

go to the menu for this topic
go to the full prealgebra lessons menu

go to the next page of this algebra lesson

|||||   copyrights and fair use of these lessons   |||||


.....::::::::::::::: 
HELP SUPPORT COOLMATH  :::::::::::::::.....

:::::::  link to us   :::::::   advertise with us  :::::::
 
 ||  about us  ||  safe surfing  ||  privacy policy  ||  terms of use  ||  copyrights & fair use  ||
||  math  ||  math for ages 13-100  ||  math for kids  ||  math for teachers  ||  math for parents  ||  math games  ||  algebra  ||
||  math help lessons  ||  math practice problems  ||  online math dictionary  ||  algebra books  ||  math anxiety  ||
||  science  ||  free online games and puzzles  ||  continuing teacher education  ||

Thanks for visiting Coolmath.com
© 1997-2007 Coolmath.com, Inc.