G8

Copyright © Swun Math Grade 8 Unit 2 Lesson 2 P TE

Challenge Problems

Directions: Solve.

1. What is the difference between the two
   expressions below?

–2^2 (–2)^2

Solution:

• –2^2 can be expressed as –1 • 2^2 , therefore the base
  is 2 and not –2. In this case, the solution is –4.


• Whereas, in (–2)^2 the negative is included in the
  parentheses, making the base –2; in this case, the
  expression needs to be written as –2 • –2 with a
  solution of positive 4.

Answer: – 22 = –4 verses (–2)^2 = 4

2. Describe and correct the error.

Solution:

• (푚푚^3 )^7 indicates (푚푚^3 )(푚푚^3 )(푚푚^3 )(푚푚^3 )(푚푚^3 )(푚푚^3 )(푚푚^3 )


• The exponents should be multiplied not added.


• The correct solution should be 푚푚^21

Extension Activity

* MP1: Make sense of the problem and persevere in solving it.

* MP4: Apply mathematics in everyday life.

Use the numbers 1-6 to make each equation true. Be sure to use each number only once.

푥푥 · 푥푥 = 푥푥

(푥푥) 

= 푥푥

(푚푚^3 )^7

(푚푚)3+7

푚푚^10