ZERO, NEGATIVE INTEGRAL AND RATIONAL EXPONENTS

We might not realize, but actually mathematics is really important in our

everyday life. It makes our life orderly and prevents chaos. Mathematics is also
the power of our reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving ability and
creativity. Those abilities need basic mathematical skill. Lastly, mathematics is
cradle of all creations. Every technology that we use nowadays is using
mathematics. It offers rationality to our thoughts, which is why it is important in
our daily life.
In highschool life, when we hear the word mathematics , the first word that
comes into our mind is difficult or stressful. But there are also people that
enjoying mathematics. There are many topics/lessons in mathematics that we can
enjoy. One of those topics/lessons is the Laws of Exponents.

So let us first define the following terms that is related to that topic
mathematically,
What is Exponent?
The exponent says how many times to use the number in a multiplication.
In this example: 32 = 3 * 3 = 9, the exponent “2” says to use the 3 two times in a
multiplication.
What is Base?
The base is the number being multiplied to itself depending on the given
exponent.
In this example: 33 = 3 * 3 * 3 = 27, the base “3” is being multiplied 3 times in a
multiplication.
What is Power?
The power is the expression that represents repeated multiplication of the
same factor.
In this example: 34 = 3 * 3 * 3 * 3 = 81, the power says 3 raised to the 4th power, 3 raised to
4 or 3 raised to the power of 4.

LAWS OF EXPONENT

PRODUCT RULE
It tells us that, when multiplying two powers that have the same base, you can add the
exponents. In this example, you can see how it works.
22 * 23 = 45
QUOTIENT RULE
It tells us that, we can divide two powers with the same base by subtracting the exponents.
In this example, you can see how it works.
b10
b2 = b8

POWER OF A POWER
It tells us that to raise a power to a power, just multiply the exponents. In this example, you
can see how it works.
( p4 ) 2 = p8

POWER OF A PRODUCT
It tells us that a term raised to a power is equal to the product of its factors raised to the
same power. To find a power of a product, find the power of each factor and then multiply. In
this example, you can see how it works.
( 3t3 ) 2 = 9t6
POWER OF A QUOTIENT
It tells us that when raising a fraction or quotient to a power, raise the numerator to the
power and raise the denominator to the power. We can distribute the exponent to each part
of the fraction. In this example, you can see how it works.
 ( a2 )3 a6
b4 = b12

ZERO EXPONENT
It tells us that any base with an exponent of zero in equal to 1. In this example, you
can see how it works.
50 = 1
( - 3 )0 = 1
- 80 = - 1

LAW OF NEGATIVE EXPONENT

It tells us that negative exponents in the numerator get moved to the denominator and
become positive exponents. In this example, you can see how it works.
y-6 = 1
y6

RATIONAL EXPONENTS
It is the use of fractions as an exponent. A rational exponent represents both an integer
exponent and an nth root. The root is found in the denominator ( like a tree, the root is at the
bottom ), and the integer exponent is found in the numerator. In solving rational exponents
you have to know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions. It is also called
fractional exponents.