The Algebra Teacher\'s Guide to Reteaching Essential Concepts and Skills

Name Date

WORKSHEET 1.19: USING INTEGERS AS BASES

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To simplify an integer raised to a power, you must first identify the base. This is particularly

important if the base is a negative number.

EXAMPLES

(−4)^2 −4 is the base. 2 is the exponent. (−4)^2 =− 4 ×(−4)=16.

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− 42 4 is the base. 2 is the exponent.− 42 =−(4×4)=−16.

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(−4)^3 −4 is the base. 3 is the exponent. (−4)^3 =− 4 ×(−4)×(−4)=−64.

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− 43 4 is the base. 3 is the exponent.− 43 =−(4× 4 ×4)=−64.

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DIRECTIONS: Simplify each expression.

1. − 62 2. (−6)^2 3. 53 4. − 53


2. (−5)^3 6. − 12 7. (−1)^2 8. −(−1)^2


3. − 23 10. −(3)^4 11. −(−4)^2 12. (−8)^2

CHALLENGE:Is a negative number raised to an odd power always negative?

Explain your answer.

39

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2011 by Judith A. Muschla, Gary Robert Muschla, and Erin Muschla. All rights reserved.