Question

Taylor complete the problem below. Describe and correct the error in the problem
2^-4*-2*-2*-2*-2=16

A. Taylor changed the negative exponent to a negative base. The problem should be 2^-4=1/2^4=1/2*2*2*2=1/16

B. Taylor didn't multiply correctly. The answer should be 16

C. Taylor made the answer positive. It should be -16

D. Taylor didn't multiply by -1. The problem should be 2^-4=(-1)1/2^4=(-1)1/2*2*2*2=1/16

Answer 1

Hm I don't understand this one

Answer 2

Me either that is why I asked for your help lol

Answer 3

lol yeah sorry
@sweetburger

Answer 4

@mathstudent55

Answer 5

I don't understand what this means

2^-4*-2*-2*-2*-2=16

Answer 6

Can you take a pic and post it?
If not, can you use the equation editor?
If not, can you draw it showing the exponents properly?

Answer 7

First it is 2^-4

Answer 8

But you have to correct it

Answer 9

2*2*2*2=1/16

Answer 10

Did you put a - where it should be =?

Answer 11

The problem reads:

\(2^{-4} = (-2) \times (-2) \times (-2) \times (-2) =16\)


The mistake is that a negative exponent does not mean to make the base negative.
A negative exponent means to set up a fraction.

\(\Large a^{-n} = \dfrac{1}{a^n} \)

\(2^{-4} = \dfrac{1}{2^4} = \dfrac{1}{2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2} = \dfrac{1}{16}\)

Answer 12

Now pick the option that is the same as the last calculation above.

Answer 13

So which one would be the correct answer