Exponents

Examine the next problem:

-3⁶

This problem is changed to the multiplication problem below. Because of the order of operations (explained in a later lesson) the exponent is simplified first and then, the negative sign is added to the answer.

1 * 3 * 3 * 3 * 3 * 3 * 3
-729

As you can see, the multiplication simplifies to the number -729. You can do the work for this in your head, on the margin of your paper, or using a calculator if allowed.

The next page explains a variation of this problem.