Question

How do you know when to put a positive or negative exponent?

Answer 1

In mathematics, the placement of a positive or negative exponent depends on the mathematical operation being performed. When multiplying, you add the exponents together. When dividing, you subtract the exponents.

Step-by-step explanation:

In mathematics, the placement of a positive or negative exponent depends on the mathematical operation being performed.

When multiplying, you add the exponents together. For example, 106 x 103 = 109.

When dividing, you subtract the exponents. For example, 106 ÷ 103 = 103.

Remember that a positive exponent represents a number greater than 1, while a negative exponent represents a fraction or decimal less than 1.

Answer 2

If a negative number is raised to an even power, the result will be positive. If a negative number is raised to an odd power, the result will be negative. The negative number must be enclosed by parentheses to have the exponent apply to the negative term.

Step-by-step explanation: