How do I calculate negative powers?

The power of a number indicates how many times that number must be multiplied by itself. If the power is a negative, this means that the number (or the base) is a fraction, with the base as a denominator. For example, 10-1 = 1/10. For more difficult numbers, e.g. 8-5, this is the same as saying 1/85, or 1/40.

MN
Answered by Molly N. Maths tutor

10728 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How to differentiate a function?


How do I find out the equation of a line?


how do you work out the gradient and point of interception of a linear graph given some coordinates


Complete the square of X^2 + 4X - 12


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning