How to Solve Math Problems with Fractional and Negative Exponents

Solve math problems that contain fractional or negative exponents.

When a number is raised to an exponent, it is telling you to multiply that number by itself that many times. For example, 4^3 is also equal to 4*4*4, or 64. Solving math problems with exponents can look difficult, especially if the exponents are negative or include fractions. However, solving these types of problems is fairly simple when you understand the step by step process.

Instructions

Fractional Exponents

1. Write down the fractional exponent. For example, a fractional exponent would be x^(2/3).

2. Use the denominator as a radical. In this example, three is the denominator. Therefore, you would take the cubed root of x.

3. Use the numerator as the exponent. The numerator in this example is two.

4. Set up the whole problem and solve. In this example, you would take the cubed root of x^2.

Negative Exponents

1. Write out the math problem with the negative exponent. The exponent, for example, may be x^-3.

2. Find the value of the exponent without the negative sign. For example, x^-3 would become x^3

3. Divide one by the value found in Step 2 and solve. For this example, x^-3 is equal to 1/x^3.

References

• Free Math Help: Solving Negative Exponents
• Purple Math: Fractional (Rational) Exponents