College Algebra
Answer/Discussion to Practice Problems
Tutorial 2: Integer Exponents

WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > College Algebra > Tutorial 2: Integer Exponents

 

 

Answer/Discussion to 1a

 

*Write the base -10 in a product 2 times *Multiply

 

(return to problem 1a)

 

Answer/Discussion to 1b

 

*Negate 10 squared *Put a - in front of 10 written in a product 2 times *Multiply

 

(return to problem 1b)

 

Answer/Discussion to 1c

 

*When mult. like bases you add your exponents: -2 + 2 = 0 and 4 + (-5) = -1 *Any base raised to the 0 power is 1 *Rewrite with a pos. exp. by taking recip. of base

 

Be careful here.  It is real tempting to take the reciprocal of -6 because of the negative sign.  Remember that you take the reciprocal of the base if the EXPONENT is negative not if the base is negative.

 

(return to problem 1c)

 

Answer/Discussion to 1d

 

*When raising a prod. to an exponent, raise each base of the prod to that exponent *When you raise a base to two powers, you multiply your exponents

 

(return to problem 1d)

 

Answer/Discussion to 1e

 

*When div. like bases you subtract your exponents   *Rewrite b with a pos. exp. by taking its recip.

 

Be careful here.  It is real tempting to take the reciprocal of -3 because of the negative sign.  Remember that you take the reciprocal of the base if the EXPONENT is negative not if the base is negative.

 

(return to problem 1e)

 

Answer/Discussion to 1f

 

*When raising a quotient to an exponent, raise each base of the quotient to that exponent *When you raise a base to two powers, you multiply your exponents *Rewrite with a pos. exp. by taking recip. of base

 

(return to problem 1f)

 

WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > College Algebra > Tutorial 2: Integer Exponents