Identifying the base is extremely important. Using five problems with negative exponents, the narrator demonstrates that knowing the base is important in simplifying algebraic expressions. The different problems use the same numbers but change the location of parentheses to alter the base. Pupils realize the difference at the beginning results in a major difference in the end.

Concepts

negative exponents, exponents, integer exponents, properties of exponents, algebraic expressions, simplifying expressions, simplifying

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Have the class come up all the different ways to simplify an expression by changing the location of the parentheses

Classroom Considerations

• Class members should be comfortable working with exponents in conjunction with parentheses
• Expects that students understand the negative exponent properties

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Shows the involved arithmetic
• Has a visual to remind viewers of the negative exponent rule

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 8.EE.A.1 HSN-RN.A.2 MP6 MP7