SOLUTION: 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

Algebra ->  Exponents-negative-and-fractional -> SOLUTION: 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      Log On


   

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
Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A negative exponent means a reciprocal
a%5E%28-1%29 means the reciprocal of a%5E1 or 1%2Fa%5E1+=+1%2Fa
a%5E%28-2%29 means the reciprocal of a%5E2 or 1%2Fa%5E2+=+1%2Fa%5E2
a%5E%28-3%29 means the reciprocal of a%5E3 or 1%2Fa%5E3+=+1%2Fa%5E3
etc.
So m%5E%28-8%29+=+1%2Fm%5E8

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.

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