This math skill teaches how to multiply exponents when the bases are the same and one of the exponents is negative. It involves using the rule that addition of the exponents occurs during multiplication and recognizing that a negative exponent represents the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent. The skill leads to simplification by canceling terms when expanding the exponents.
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Exponent multiplication positive by negative to negative
Test your understanding of exponent multiplication positive by negative to negative by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.
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Let's multiply these two exponents
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First let's expand the exponents. Remember that 'P' to the negative 3 is the same as 1 over 'P' to the power of 3.
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Now we can cancel top and bottom. 2 P's on each are cancelled.
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We can simplify to 1 over 'P' which is the same as 'P' to the negative 1.
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A simple rule is that multiplying exponents adds the powers. 2 plus negative 3 is negative 1, so our answer is 'P' to the negative 1