SOLUTION: -2^-4 power. when there is a negative base and there is a negative exponent, do we follow the usual rule of 1/x^y or is it different?

Algebra ->  Exponents-negative-and-fractional -> SOLUTION: -2^-4 power. when there is a negative base and there is a negative exponent, do we follow the usual rule of 1/x^y or is it different?       Log On


   

Question 1093072:
-2^-4 power.
when there is a negative base and there is a negative exponent, do we follow the usual rule of 1/x^y or is it different?
Answer by Theo(13342) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the same rules apply, but you have to be careful.

is it -x^(-4) or is it (-x)^(-4).

if -x^(-4), then it's equivalent to -1 * x^4 which is equal to -1/x^4.

if (-x)^(-4), then it's equal to 1/(-x)^4

(-2)^(-4) is equal to 1/(-2)^4 which is equal to 1/16.

-2^(-4) is equal to -1 * 2^(-4) which is equal to -1/2^4 which is equal to -1/16.