Understand Negative Power Conversions to Positive Fractions

[Simon Peach]

Homework Statement

I know this is the rule, but I find this very confusing. A negative power, surd, exponent is converted to a positive fraction power. As I said I find this very confusing as a negative is converted to a positive by the addition of a one over it.

2. Relevant equation
n ^-2 into n^1/2 I can't see the logic in this.

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Mark44]

Homework Statement

I know this is the rule, but I find this very confusing. A negative power, surd, exponent is converted to a positive fraction power. As I said I find this very confusing as a negative is converted to a positive by the addition of a one over it.

2. Relevant equation
n ^-2 into n^1/2 I can't see the logic in this.

Nor is there any, because it isn't true.
$n^{-2} = \frac 1 {n^2}$, not $n^{1/2}$
Your textbook should give some information about how negative exponents are defined.

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[TomHart]

I don't understand the rule to which you are referring. And I don't understand your terminology where you said,

n -2 into n1/2

Are you dividing n^1/2 by n^-2?

 

[TomHart]

You are correct. n^-2 is not equal to n^1/2.

 

[Simon Peach]

Nor is there any, because it isn't true.
$n^{-2} = \frac 1 {n^2}$, not $n^{1/2}$
Your textbook should give some information about how negative exponents are defined.

Thanks Mark, I downloaded a vid now I understand