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Exponent with negative integer base

This math skill explains calculating the power of a negative integer base. It emphasizes multiplying the absolute value of the base by itself as per the exponent, and determining the sign based on whether the exponent is even (resulting in a positive value) or odd (resulting in a negative value).

Learn exponent with negative integer base

Teaching Transcript

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What is negative 4 to the power of 3?

First, let's figure out what positive 4 to the power of 3 would be. That would be 4 times 4 times 4, or 64

Now, for the sign, every pair of negatives cancel each other out. We have a power of 3, an odd number, so there is still a negative sign left over

So, our final answer is negative 64

Skill Practice

Exponent with negative integer base

Test your understanding of exponent with negative integer base by practicing it! Work through the below exercises to use it in practice.