Negative Powers and Fractions

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 51 views

Introduction to Exponents and Negative Powers

Exponents and negative powers are fundamental concepts in mathematics that help us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. In this article, we will delve into the world of exponents and negative powers, focusing on the specific problem of $\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^{-2}$ . We will explore the rules and properties of exponents, and provide step-by-step solutions to this problem.

What are Exponents and Negative Powers?

Exponents are a shorthand way of writing repeated multiplication. For example, $2^3$ means $2 \times 2 \times 2$ , which equals $8$ . Negative powers, on the other hand, are a way of expressing fractions with a negative exponent. For instance, $2^{-3}$ means $\frac{1}{2^3}$ , which equals $\frac{1}{8}$ .

Rules of Exponents

There are several rules of exponents that help us simplify expressions and solve equations. These rules include:

Product Rule: $a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$
Power Rule: $(a^m)^n = a^{m \times n}$
Quotient Rule: $\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$
Zero Exponent Rule: $a^0 = 1$

Negative Powers and Fractions

Negative powers can be rewritten as fractions with a positive exponent. For example, $2^{-3}$ can be rewritten as $\frac{1}{2^3}$ . This is because $2^{-3}$ means $\frac{1}{2^3}$ , which equals $\frac{1}{8}$ .

Solving the Problem: $\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^{-2}$

To solve the problem $\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^{-2}$ , we can use the rules of exponents and negative powers. We can rewrite the expression as $\frac{1}{\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^2}$ .

Step 1: Simplify the Expression

To simplify the expression, we need to square the fraction $\frac{3}{4}$ . This means multiplying the numerator and denominator by themselves.

$\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^2 = \frac{3 \times 3}{4 \times 4} = \frac{9}{16}$

Step 2: Rewrite the Expression

Now that we have simplified the expression, we can rewrite it as $\frac{1}{\frac{9}{16}}$ .

Step 3: Simplify the Fraction

To simplify the fraction, we can invert the denominator and multiply.

$\frac{1}{\frac{9}{16}} = 1 \times \frac{16}{9} = \frac{16}{9}$

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the concept of exponents and negative powers in mathematics. We have used the rules of exponents and negative powers to solve the problem $\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^{-2}$ . We have shown that the solution is $\frac{16}{9}$ , and have provided step-by-step solutions to this problem.

Final Answer

The final answer to the problem $\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^{-2}$ is $\boxed{\frac{16}{9}}$ .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with exponents and negative powers, it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not following the order of operations: When simplifying expressions, it's essential to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS).
Not using the correct rules of exponents: Make sure to use the correct rules of exponents, such as the product rule, power rule, and quotient rule.
Not rewriting negative powers as fractions: Negative powers can be rewritten as fractions with a positive exponent. Make sure to do this when simplifying expressions.

Real-World Applications

Exponents and negative powers have many real-world applications. Here are a few examples:

Finance: Exponents and negative powers are used in finance to calculate interest rates and investment returns.
Science: Exponents and negative powers are used in science to describe the behavior of physical systems, such as the motion of objects and the behavior of gases.
Engineering: Exponents and negative powers are used in engineering to design and optimize systems, such as electrical circuits and mechanical systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exponents and negative powers are fundamental concepts in mathematics that help us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. By following the rules of exponents and negative powers, we can solve problems like $\left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^{-2}$ and apply these concepts to real-world problems.

Introduction

Exponents and negative powers are fundamental concepts in mathematics that help us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you understand and apply these concepts.

Q: What is an exponent?

A: An exponent is a shorthand way of writing repeated multiplication. For example, $2^3$ means $2 \times 2 \times 2$ , which equals $8$ .

Q: What is a negative power?

A: A negative power is a way of expressing fractions with a negative exponent. For instance, $2^{-3}$ means $\frac{1}{2^3}$ , which equals $\frac{1}{8}$ .

Q: What are the rules of exponents?

A: There are several rules of exponents that help us simplify expressions and solve equations. These rules include:

Product Rule: $a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$
Power Rule: $(a^m)^n = a^{m \times n}$
Quotient Rule: $\frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$
Zero Exponent Rule: $a^0 = 1$

Q: How do I simplify expressions with exponents?

A: To simplify expressions with exponents, you can use the rules of exponents. For example, to simplify the expression $2^3 \times 2^2$ , you can use the product rule to get $2^{3+2} = 2^5$ .

Q: How do I rewrite negative powers as fractions?

A: To rewrite negative powers as fractions, you can use the rule that $a^{-m} = \frac{1}{a^m}$ . For example, to rewrite the expression $2^{-3}$ as a fraction, you can use the rule to get $\frac{1}{2^3} = \frac{1}{8}$ .

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with exponents and negative powers?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with exponents and negative powers include:

Not following the order of operations: When simplifying expressions, it's essential to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS).
Not using the correct rules of exponents: Make sure to use the correct rules of exponents, such as the product rule, power rule, and quotient rule.
Not rewriting negative powers as fractions: Negative powers can be rewritten as fractions with a positive exponent. Make sure to do this when simplifying expressions.

Q: How do I apply exponents and negative powers to real-world problems?

A: Exponents and negative powers have many real-world applications. Here are a few examples:

Finance: Exponents and negative powers are used in finance to calculate interest rates and investment returns.
Science: Exponents and negative powers are used in science to describe the behavior of physical systems, such as the motion of objects and the behavior of gases.
Engineering: Exponents and negative powers are used in engineering to design and optimize systems, such as electrical circuits and mechanical systems.

Q: What are some tips for mastering exponents and negative powers?

A: Here are some tips for mastering exponents and negative powers:

Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice working with exponents and negative powers, the more comfortable you will become with these concepts.
Use online resources: There are many online resources available to help you learn and practice exponents and negative powers, such as video tutorials and practice problems.
Seek help when needed: Don't be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling with exponents and negative powers. Your teacher or tutor can provide additional support and guidance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exponents and negative powers are fundamental concepts in mathematics that help us simplify complex expressions and solve equations. By following the rules of exponents and negative powers, we can solve problems and apply these concepts to real-world problems. We hope this Q&A guide has been helpful in understanding and applying these concepts.