Question 240966:  how do negative exponents work? 
 
 Answer by checkley77(12844)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! IF THE NEGATIVE EXPONENT IS IN THE NUMERATOR OR A SINGLE NUMBER, CHANGE THE NEGATIVE EXPONENT TO A POSITIVE EXPONENT & PLACE IT IN THE DENOMINATOR.    
5^-2=1/5^2=1/25  
IF THE NEGATIVE EXPONENT IS IN THE DENOMINATOR, CHANGE THE NEGATIVE EXPONENT TO A POSITIVE EXPONENT & PLACE IT IN THE NUMERATOR.  
1/(3^-3)=3^3=27 ANS. 
4^-2/2^-2=2^2/4^2=4/16=1/4 ANS. 
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