Shade a Path of Values Equal to One Eighth

Begin with Evaluate Zero and Negative Exponents so students see values as fractions. Then move to rewriting and variable expressions, and use the one eighth path as a check.

Evaluate cells like 2⁻³ and (2⁻¹)³ and shade every one equal to one eighth to make a path. The directions on the page read: Find the value of each expression. Shade every cell whose value is one eighth. The shaded cells make one path of touching cells from the left side to the right side. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade exponents, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Rewrite it as the reciprocal of the positive power, then evaluate. For example, 4⁻² = 1/4² = 1/16. Answers on Evaluate Zero and Negative Exponents are written as integers or fractions in simplest form.

No. A negative exponent makes a reciprocal, not a negative number, so 4⁻² is 1/16, not −16. The sign of the value depends on the base, so (−2)⁻³ is −1/8.

Use the exponent rules to combine powers, then move any factor with a negative exponent across the fraction bar so its exponent is positive. Simplify Variable Expressions With Negative Exponents asks for answers with only positive exponents.