Exponents - Negative, Fractional, and Power Law

This math unit progresses through various intricacies of working with exponents and power laws. It begins with elementary applications of the power law on variable and composite bases and extends into more complex manipulations such as dealing with negative and fractional exponents. As students advance, they tackle problems involving bases with prime numbers, learning how to simplify expressions by managing multiple layers of exponents. Further, the unit explores how to calculate and simplify expressions with fractional and negative fractional exponents on both integer and fractional bases. Complexity increases as students solve for unknown exponents in scenarios where bases and powers are variable, including transitioning through powers of ten. By the end of the unit, learners have a robust understanding of how to manipulate and simplify expressions involving exponent laws across diverse numeric and algebraic contexts, focusing particularly on solving equations to find unknown exponents while deepening their grasp of power laws within mathematical expressions.