FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What is the equivalent expression for 2 raised to the power of -3?

1. 1/8

2. 3/2

3. 8

4. 2/3

The correct answer is: 1/8

The expression for 2 raised to the power of -3 can be understood using the properties of exponents. When dealing with a negative exponent, the rule is that you take the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent. Therefore, 2 raised to the power of -3 can be rewritten as 1 divided by 2 raised to the power of 3. Calculating that gives: 1 / (2^3) = 1 / 8 This shows that the equivalent expression for 2 raised to the power of -3 is indeed 1/8. The understanding of negative exponents is fundamental in mathematics, as it opens up the understanding of how numbers can be manipulated, especially in contexts involving fractions, ratios, or decaying values.