So, I have a math problem, but I dunno how 2 multiply things by the negative power, so how can you solve 2 to the negative 2 power, and 2 to the negative 1 power??? Oh, and plz explain too.......
2007-05-30 12:55:34 · 9 answers · asked by Nik 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
2^-2 = 1 / (2^2)
to do a negative power:
pretend its a positive power, solve then put the answer under one
so 2^-2 = 1 / (2^2 = 4) = 1/4 = .25
2^-1 = 1 / (2^1=2) = 1/2 =.5
2007-05-30 13:02:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When evaluating with a negative power, it is helpful to remember one important rule. (a)^-b=(1/a)^b, where a and b are just numbers. You take the reciprocal of the base and change the sign of the exponent. That gets rid of the negative for you.
Take 2 to the negative 2 power, 2^-2 , like you suggested. That is exactly the same as (1/2)^2. So 1/2 raised to the 2 power equals 1/4. So 2^-2 = 1/4 . Likewise 2 to the negative 1 power, 2^-1 = (1/2)^1 = 1/2 Hope this helps!! =)
2007-05-30 20:04:02 · answer #2 · answered by Supermatt100 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something to the negative power means to take the inverse of whatever the base is. So in your problem 2^(-2) = 1/(2^2) = 1/4. The same with 2^-1, just put it under one, 2^-1 = 1/2
2007-05-30 20:00:33 · answer #3 · answered by pre.lives07 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Negative power implies reciprocal. 2 to the negative 2 power is equal to 1 over 2 to the postive two power or 1 over 2 squared. (1/2^2). Which equals 1/4.
2 to the negative 1 is equal to 1 over 2 to the one power or 1 over two which is one-half. (1/2).
2007-05-30 20:03:23 · answer #4 · answered by Joseph F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there cant be a negative exponent so make 2^-2, 1/2^2. then multiply. i know, we just did this like a few weeks ago in algebra 1...
2007-05-30 20:33:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you need to get rid of the neg. exponents. to do that you make the exponent and the number it is connected to it become the denominator.
So now your answer is 1 over 2 to the 2nd power.
If the neg. exponent is a part of the denominator then you simply make that the numerator. Good Luck!!!
2007-05-30 20:02:13 · answer #6 · answered by april_diamond_14 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, all you do is add the exponents so that would be two to the first power. I'm pretty sure thats correct, I just completed Pre-Calculus and Geometry so I'm pretty sure you can trust me. Sorry if I'm wrong though its been a while!! Good luck in math!
2007-05-30 19:59:38 · answer #7 · answered by beach.child 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
put 2^-2 on the bottom, and same with the 2^-1, so it would be
1/2^2 and 1/2
2007-05-30 20:00:03 · answer #8 · answered by Memes 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(2)^-2
=1/2^2
=1/4
2^-1
=1/2^1
=1/2
2007-05-30 20:02:29 · answer #9 · answered by alpha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋