Algebra
Basic

Negative Exponent

A negative exponent gives the reciprocal.

Formula

a−n=1ana^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}

Variables

aBase
nExponent

Example

2^{-3}=1/8

Did You Know?

A negative exponent means take the reciprocal, so 10⁻³ is one thousandth — the notation used across all of science.

exponent