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

1:42 minutes

Problem 83a

Textbook Question

Evaluate each expression. (-2)^4

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Key Concepts

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

Exponentiation

Exponentiation is a mathematical operation involving two numbers, the base and the exponent. The exponent indicates how many times the base is multiplied by itself. For example, in the expression a^n, 'a' is the base and 'n' is the exponent. Understanding this concept is crucial for evaluating expressions like (-2)^4.

Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are values less than zero, represented with a minus sign. When raised to an even exponent, negative numbers yield a positive result, as the negative signs cancel each other out. This property is essential for evaluating expressions involving negative bases, such as (-2)^4, where the outcome will be positive.

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. The common acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) helps remember this order. In evaluating (-2)^4, recognizing that exponentiation is performed before multiplication or addition is key to arriving at the correct answer.