A familiar situation
Work out a repeated multiplication or reciprocal power when simplifying a unit conversion.
How to use this calculator
- Enter base, exponent.
- Select Calculate to see the answer and its breakdown.
- Keep a scenario, change an input and compare the results.
Use consistent units and check the assumptions below before applying the result.
How exponent is calculated
For a nonzero base, a negative exponent means the reciprocal of the corresponding positive power: a^(−n)=1/a^n. Fractional exponents are evaluated over real numbers only when the result is real. 2^−3 = 1/2³ = 1/8 = 0.125.
a^(−n)=1/aⁿ; real-valued result subject to the base and exponent domain.2^−3 = 1/2³ = 1/8 = 0.125.
Assumptions & useful context
The result depends on the values you enter and the method described above. Displayed numbers may be rounded; calculations use the unrounded values. Check that this model matches your situation before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
Why reject a negative base with a decimal exponent?
That power may be complex, while this calculator returns real numbers only.
What is 0 to a negative power?
It is undefined because it would require division by zero.