Integer powers and positive-base rational powers
Negative exponents use reciprocals; rational exponents use principal roots.
Key knowledge
For a positive real base a, integer powers extend repeated multiplication by a⁰=1 and a^(−n)=1/aⁿ. A rational power a^(p/q) is the principal positive qth root of a, raised to integer power p; equal rational exponents give equal values.
Values and equations
a^0=1; a^(−n)=1/a^n; a^(p/q)=(qth-root(a))^p; a^m·a^n=a^(m+n)
- a
- Positive real base
- p, m
- Integers
- q
- Positive integer denominator
- n
- Positive integer in reciprocal formula; any integer in product rule
Conditions and scope
- Use a>0, integers p and q with q≥1; n≥1 in the reciprocal definition, while m,n are arbitrary integers in the product rule.
- This scope does not assign 0⁰ or define negative-base fractional or complex powers.
Zero base excluded from displayed rules. Record deliberately uses positive bases; negative-base branch issues excluded.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Checked the stated integer powers and positive-base rational powers and restrictions against the listed primary sections; exact inspected boundaries are in the author receipt.
2026-10-10 · Independent Physics and Measurement reference editor (AI editorial bounded review). Independent AI editorial review of this entry's statements, equations, applicability conditions and source coverage. Source checks apply to these claims within their stated limits.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- foundation-math-powers-roots
- Revision
- foundations-refresh.1
- Structured reference record
- Foundational reference additions