Understanding Exponents and Their Laws: A Comprehensive Introduction
This lesson delves into the fundamental concepts of exponents, including definitions and key vocabulary such as exponent, base, coefficient, and the essential exponential laws. Discover how an exponent indicates the number of times a base is multiplied by itself, and learn about the significance of coefficients in expressions. We will explore the Zero Law, which states that any base (except 0) raised to the power of zero equals one, and the Negative Law, which explains how to handle negative exponents. Join us in a journal entry to rethink and validate these exponential laws.
Understanding Exponents and Their Laws: A Comprehensive Introduction
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Presentation Transcript
Unit 7 – Exponents Topic: Introduction to Exponents
Exponential Vocabulary • Exponent • Power/# of times something is multiplied by itself • Ex. 63; 3 is an exponent • Base • Value with an exponent/superscript • Ex. x5; x is a base • Coefficient • Number in front of a variable • Acts as a multiplier • Ex. 2y3; 2 is a coefficient; the exponent does not affect the coefficient, only the base
Exponential Laws (Put these on a note card) • Zero Law of Exponents • Any base other than 0 raised to the 0 power equals 1. • Negative Law of Exponents • Any base other than 0 raised to a negative power is the same as raising the reciprocal of the base to the positive value of the power. • JOURNAL ENTRY • TITLE: Exponential Laws • Explain, either in words or mathematically, why you think these laws are true.