1. Zero &
Negative
Exponents

2. Zero exponent
• For any nonzero number a, a0
= 1
• 50
= 1
• (-2)0
= 1
• (2/3)0
= 1
• 1.020
= 1
• - 80
= -1

3. Evaluate the function
• For t = 0
• f(t) = 1000 ⋅ 2 t
• Substitute 0 in for t
• We know that 2 0
= 1
• So the function = 1000

4. Negative exponents
• For any nonzero number a and any
integer n, a–n
= 1/an
• & 1/a–n
= an
• 6–4
= 1/64
• 7–1
= 1/71

5. Write as a simple fraction
• 4–3
• 1/43
• 1/64
• (-3)–2
• 1/ (-3)2
• 1/9

6. Rewrite each so that all
exponents are positive
• Exponents only go with the variable
directly in front of it!
• 4yx–3
• 4y(1/x3
)
• 4y/x3
• 1/w –4
• 1⋅ w4
• w4

7. Graph the function over
the domain -2 ≤ x ≤ 2
• Set your calculator margins so that
you have an x minimum of -2 and
an x maximum of 2.
• Leave the y at -10 and 10.
• Sketch each graph as you see it.
• Pay attention to how each graph
differs, and make note of why you
think they differ.