8th Grade · Expressions & Equations
Negative Exponent
8.EE.A.1
Definition
A base raised to a negative power equals one over the base raised to the positive power. It indicates a reciprocal, not a negative value.
Examples
- 2⁻³ = 1/8, NOT -8.
- A negative exponent moves the power to the denominator.
Key rule
A negative exponent does not make the number negative — it signals a reciprocal.
Memory hook
Flip to the reciprocal, make the exponent positive.