Table of contents

0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
2. Graphs of Equations43m
3. Functions2h 17m
4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
5. Rational Functions1h 23m
6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
8. Conic Sections2h 23m
9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m

0. Review of Algebra

Exponents

College Algebra

0. Review of Algebra

Exponents

1:40 minutes

Problem 85a

Textbook Question

Evaluate each expression. (-3)^5

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Exponents

Exponents represent the number of times a base is multiplied by itself. In the expression (-3)^5, the base is -3, and the exponent is 5, indicating that -3 should be multiplied by itself five times. Understanding how to handle positive and negative bases with exponents is crucial for evaluating such expressions.

Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are values less than zero, and they can affect the outcome of mathematical operations, especially when raised to an exponent. In this case, raising a negative number to an odd exponent results in a negative product, which is important to remember when evaluating expressions like (-3)^5.

Order of Operations

The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed to ensure consistent results. When evaluating expressions, it is essential to follow these rules, particularly when dealing with exponents, to arrive at the correct answer. In this case, the exponentiation is performed before any other operations.