Understand Negative Power Conversions to Positive Fractions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of negative powers to positive fractions, specifically in the context of exponent rules. Participants express confusion regarding the logic behind these conversions and the definitions involved.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to clarify the rules of negative exponents, questioning the original poster's understanding of the terminology used. There are discussions about the correct interpretation of expressions involving negative and fractional exponents.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing clarifications and corrections regarding the definitions of negative exponents. Some guidance has been offered, particularly about the relationship between negative and positive powers, but there is no explicit consensus on the original poster's confusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's understanding may be influenced by a misunderstanding of the rules, and there is mention of external resources, such as textbooks and videos, that could provide further clarification.

Simon Peach
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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 n1/2
I can't see the logic in this.

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Simon Peach said:

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 n1/2
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.
Simon Peach said:

The Attempt at a Solution

 
I don't understand the rule to which you are referring. And I don't understand your terminology where you said,
Simon Peach said:
n -2 into n1/2
Are you dividing n1/2 by n-2?
 
You are correct. n-2 is not equal to n1/2.
 
Mark44 said:
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
 

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