algebra 2 help please: if you divide a neg. # by a neg. exponent, is the answer positive?

Answer 1

What do you mean by "divide by a negative exponent"? You don't "divide" a number by an exponent; you "raise" it to that exponent. So do you mean something like (-5)^(-2) where a negative number is raised to a negative exponent, or something like -5 / (2^(-2)) where a negative number is divided by a number with a negative exponent? In either case, it depends on the exponent.

Answer 2

I think that you're talking about a negative number. When you divide a negative by a negative, you get a positive.

If you're really talking about a negative exponent and it's use, it works like a positive exponent, except you put the number on the bottom.

For example:

2^-1 = 1/2

If you're talking about using a negative exponent, think about what the positive exponent (the same number) would do to the number. if you square a negative number, it becomes positive. If you negative square a negative number, it becomes positive, just on the bottom of the equation.

Answer 3

There is no such thing as dividing by an exponent, negative or otherwise.

Perhaps you meant: dividing a negative number by a negative number. YES! This would lead to a positive number as the result.

Answer 4

You can't divide by a negative exponent. You can divide by a number with a negative exponent, but that's the same a multiplying by the number with a positive exponent.

Please clarify your question

Answer 5

negative number/negative exponent?

like this? -1/-1^2 = -1 it came out to negative

you need an example

Answer 6

do you mean a neg number divided by another number with a neg. exponent/?? if so, then the answer may not be pos.

Answer 7

no that answer is neg, a neg exponent just mean you change it's location above or below the division line. ex. x^-2 = 1/x^2.

Answer 8

Two negatives make a positive.

Two positives make a positive
Two negatives make a positive
Negative and positive make a negative

Just remember that if both signs are the same, the answer will be positive. If they are different, they are negative.

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

yes...
in multiplication and division the rules are...
if there is an odd number of negatives then the answer is negative
if there is an even number of negatives then the answer is positive