Enter any number and a negative exponent into the calculator. The calculator will display the value of the number raised to the negative exponent.

Negative Exponent Formula

The following formula can be used to calculate the value of a number raised to a negative exponent.

X^-Y = 1/X^Y
  • Where X is the number being raised to
  • Y is the exponent

Negative Exponent Definition

A negative exponent is equal to the inverse of the function raised to the positive value of that exponent.

Examples

The following examples show the process of calculating a negative exponent value.

  1. 5 ^ -2 = 1/5^2 = 1/25
  2. 4^ -3 = 1/4^3 = 1/48
  3. 10^-3 = 1/10^3 = 1/1000
  4. 2 ^ -5 = 1/2^5 = 1/32
  5. 1 ^ -1 = 1/1^1 = 1

FAQ

What is a negative exponent?

A negative exponent is equal to the inverse of the positive of that exponent.