document.write( "Question 722808: how do you solve a negative exponent if the one the the exponent is a negative number and the next part is just zero. for example: m^-8p^0 \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #442883 by jsmallt9(3758) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A negative exponent means a reciprocal
\n" ); document.write( " $\"a%5E%28-1%29\"$ means the reciprocal of $\"a%5E1\"$ or $\"1%2Fa%5E1+=+1%2Fa\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"a%5E%28-2%29\"$ means the reciprocal of $\"a%5E2\"$ or $\"1%2Fa%5E2+=+1%2Fa%5E2\"$
\n" ); document.write( " $\"a%5E%28-3%29\"$ means the reciprocal of $\"a%5E3\"$ or $\"1%2Fa%5E3+=+1%2Fa%5E3\"$
\n" ); document.write( "etc.
\n" ); document.write( "So $\"m%5E%28-8%29+=+1%2Fm%5E8\"$

\n" ); document.write( "Any number or expression (except zero itself) to the zero power is equal to 1. So $\"p%5E0+=+1\"$ (as long as p is not zero.

\n" ); document.write( "So $\"m%5E%28-8%29p%5E0+=+%28m%5E%28-8%29%29%28p%5E0%29+=+%281%2Fm%5E8%29%2A%281%29+=+1%2Fm%5E8\"$ \n" ); document.write( "

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