Zero and Negative Exponents

How do you simplify an expression that includes a negative exponent or an exponent with a value of zero? In this topic, you will explore patterns that lead to the discovery of the definitions of zero and negative exponents. By applying these definitions, you will be able to simplify exponential expressions that involve products, quotients, and zero and negative exponents.

Essential Questions

• How can you apply the definition of negative exponents to simplify expressions?
• How can you apply the definition of zero exponents to simplify expressions?