This is a law of exponents.
How to Find an Exponent of −1 in Algebra
Finding an exponent of −1 in algebra is easy.Question
Use the law of exponents to find the power with an exponent of −1 below.
Step-by-Step:
1
Find the letter or symbol that has an exponent of −1. In our example, the letter is x.
3
Answer:
We have found an exponent of −1.
Understanding Finding an Exponent of −1 in Algebra
Let us look at the rule for an exponent of −1 in algebra:
- a −1 is a power.
- The base of the power is a.
- The exponent is −1.
- The fraction 1⁄a is the reciprocal of a.
What Is a Reciprocal?
A reciprocal of a letter is 1 divided by the letter.
Reciprocal of a Fraction
The reciprocal of a fraction just flips the fraction upside down.
Reciprocals with Coefficients
What if there is a number or other letter written in front of a letter with an exponent of −1?
The number or letter in front is a coefficient that is multiplying what comes after it. It goes on top of the fraction instead of 1.
This page was written by Stephen Clarke.
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