9

Quarter 2 – Module VI
APPLYING THE LAWS INVOLVING ZERO,
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE INTEGRAL
EXPONENTS
Mathematics – Grade 9
Quarter 2 –Module VI: APPLYING THE LAWS INVOLVING ZERO, POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE INTEGRAL EXPONENTS

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Judy Ann T. Calisin – Sicmil Integrated School

Editor: Zoren I. Añonuevo – Baras Rural Development High School

Validators: Jonel G. Aznar – Bato Rural Development High School

Lyra C. Tusi – San Andres Vocational School
Ludy M. Avila – Catanduanes National High School
Riza B. Benavidez – Bato Rural Development High School
Jezrahel T. Omadto – EPS-Math, Catanduanes Division

Illustrators: Luis Karlo T. Avila – Antipolo National High School

Edwin T. Tomes – Dororian National High School

Layout Artist: Luis Karlo T. Avila – Antipolo National High School

 APPLYING THE LAWS INVOLVING
LESSON
ZERO, NEGATIVE, AND POSITIVE
INTEGRAL EXPONENTS

Start this module by assessing your knowledge of laws of

exponents. Knowledge and skills on these laws will help you
understand zero, negative integral, and rational exponents. “How
do we simplify expressions with zero, negative integral, and rational
exponents? How can we apply what we learned in solving real-life
problems?’’ To find the answer, perform each activity.

Recall the laws of exponents by identifying

which law of exponent is represented by the
given expressions.

Activity 1: Remember Me this Way!

Identify the laws of exponents represented by the given expressions.

𝑥 2 . 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 2+2
1. (𝑎2 )3
= 𝑎6
2. (𝑥𝑦)2 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 2
𝑦3
3. = 𝑦 3−2
𝑦2
4. 𝑏5. 𝑏3 = 𝑏 5+3
3
𝑟2 𝑟6
5. ( 4 ) =
𝑠 𝑠 12
6. (𝑚3 )5 = 𝑚15
𝑚6
7. 𝑚6−3
=
𝑚3
8. 𝑎2 𝑎3
= 𝑎2+3
9. (𝑦 ) = 𝑦 8
4 2

The previous activity helped you recall the laws of exponents which are necessary to
succeed in this module

1
 How did you find the activity? Don’t worry if you got
a low score. It means that that there are more things you
can learn from this module. Are you ready?

Definition of Exponent
𝑎𝑛 means the product obtained by taking a as a factor n times. In symbols,
if n is a positive integer,

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎 ∙ … ∙ 𝑎
n factors

For instance, 𝑦4 = 𝑦 ∙ 𝑦 ∙ 𝑦 ∙ 𝑦

25 = (2)(2)(2)(2)(2) = 32

LAWS OF EXPONENTS
1. The first law of exponents
𝑎𝑚 ∙ 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛
2. The second law of exponents
(𝑎𝑚 )𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑚 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛
3. The third law of exponents
(𝑎𝑏)𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚 𝑏 𝑚 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑚
4. The fourth law of exponents
𝑎𝑚
𝑖𝑓 𝑎 ≠ 0, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚−𝑛 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑚 > 𝑛
𝑎
5. The fifth law of exponents
𝑎 𝑚 𝑎𝑚
𝑖𝑓 𝑏 ≠ 0, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 ( ) = 𝑚
𝑏 𝑏

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 DEFINITIONS
1. Zero exponent
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑎, 𝑒𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡 0
𝑎0 = 1
2. Negative exponent
𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑎 ≠ 0, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟,
1
𝑎−𝑛 =
𝑎𝑛

Examples of simplifying the expressions without zero and negative exponents

Law of
Examples Answers
Exponent
The 1st Law of 1. 𝑚5 ∙ 𝑚7 = 𝑚5+7 = 𝑚12
Exponents 2. (33 )(3) = 33+1 = 34 = (3)(3)(3)(3) 81

3. (𝑛4 )5 = 𝑛(4)(5) = 𝑛20

The 2nd Law of
Exponents 4. (42 )2 = 42+2 = 44 =
256
(4)(4)(4)(4) =

The 3rd Law of 5. (𝑥𝑦)5 = (𝑥)5 (𝑦)5 = 𝑥5𝑦5

Exponents
6. (3𝑥𝑦 2 )4 = 34 𝑥 4 𝑦 (2)(4) = 81𝑥 4 𝑦 8

𝑥 10
7. = 𝑥 10−6 = 𝑥4
The 4th Law of 𝑥6
Exponents 𝑎𝑏2 𝑏2−1 𝑏1 𝑏
8. = =
𝑎3 𝑏 𝑎3−1 𝑎2 𝑎2
2 𝑥6
𝑥3 𝑥 (3)(2)
9. (𝑧 4 ) = 𝑧 (4)(2) = 𝑧8
The 5th Law of
Exponents 2
3𝑚2 32 𝑚(2)(2) (3)(3)𝑚4 9𝑚4
10. ( ) = =
2𝑛3 22 𝑛3(2) (2)(2)𝑛6 4𝑛6

11. (−5)0 = 1

Zero Exponent 12. 22 𝑥 0 = (2)(2)(1) = 4

13. (𝑥𝑦)0 = 𝑥 0 𝑦 0 = (1)(1) = 1

1 1
Negative Exponent 14. 2−1 = 21 =
2

3
 1
15. 𝑎 −2
𝑎2

3 −4 1 24 16
16. ( ) = 3 4 = (1) ( 4 ) =
2 ( 2) 3 81

✓ Identify the laws of exponents used in a given

expression
✓ Discuss the process of simplifying expressions
with zero and integral exponents

Activity 2: AGREE or DISAGREE?

Read each statement then write A in the response column if you agree
with the statement; otherwise, write D. On the third column, write your
reason for your response (laws of exponents and definitions)

Statement Response Reason

1. Any number raised to zero is equal to one (1)

2. An expression with a negative exponent CANNOT be

written as an expression with a positive exponent
1
3. 2−3 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜
8

4. Laws of exponents may be used to simplify expressions

with rational exponents
1 −2
5. ( ) =9
3

6. 30 4−2 = 16
1
7. (32𝑥 3 𝑦 5 )−2
𝑚𝑎𝑦 𝑏𝑒 𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑠 (32𝑥 3 𝑦 5 )2 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑥 ≠
0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 ≠ 0

8. (−2)3 = 8

9. (𝑟 2 𝑠 3 )2 = 𝑟 4 𝑠6
𝑎 2 𝑎2
10. ( ) = 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎 ≠ 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 ≠ 0
𝑏 𝑏2

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 How did you find the activity? Don’t worry if you
got a low score, this just means that there are
more things that you can learn from this module.
So, hop on!

Let us now practice simplifying expressions without using zero or negative integral
exponent.

Activity 3
Directions: Rewrite all expressions without using zero or negative integral exponents
1 0
1. ( )
𝑥
2. (3𝑥𝑦 2 )−2
3. −3𝑚−2 𝑛𝑝 −4
1 −3
4. ( )
4𝑚
1
5.
5−2
6. (8 𝑜 4 𝑝 2 𝑞)0
3−3 (−2)−3
7.
6−1
𝑎−3 𝑏11
8.
𝑐 −5
9. 8𝑥 2 𝑦 0 𝑧 −1
10. 𝑑 −8 (100𝑥𝑦)0

How did you simplify the given

expressions? Please check your answer using
the answer key.
Now you’re ready to solve real life
problems involving simplifying positive integral
exponents.
Let’s apply what yoou’ve learned by doing the
next activity.

5
 ✓ Demonstrate and explain how to solve problems
involving simplifying expressions with zero and positive
integral exponents

Activity 4: Weigh Me In Another Way…

Solve the problem involving simplifying positive integral exponents.

A. A young pig may weigh 2 2 kilograms. If it is possible for it to grow 25 times its body
weight during its life cycle,
1. How many kilograms can it reach during its life cycle?
2. How did you apply your understanding of positive exponents in solving the
problem?
B. A very young caterpillar may weigh only 12-2 grams. If it is possible for it to grow 124
times its body weight during its life cycle.
1. How many grams can it reach during its life cycle?
2. How did you apply your understanding of exponents in solving the problem?
3. What necessary concepts can you give that show the application of zero and
integral exponents?
4. What examples can you give that show the application of zero and negative
integral exponents?
5. Can you assess the importance of exponents in solving real-life problems? How?

Great Job! You’re almost done with this module! Now, let us check your
understanding by doing the next activity. Go! Go! Go!

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 Let us check your understanding:
1. How do we simplify expressions with zero, positive and
negative integral exponents?
2. What are the necessary skills/ mathematical concepts
needed in simplifying expressions with zero, positive and
negative exponents?

A. Direction: Give the value of each expression.

1. 5−2
2. 2−4 7. (−5)−1
3. 15−1 8. 5−5 ∙ 53
4. (−17)0 9. 53 ∙ 53
5. 1−10 10. (62 ∙ 63 )−1
6. 3−3

B. Direction: Solve and simplify expressions with zero, positive and negative integral
exponents.
1. 𝑥 3 𝑥 −4 𝑦 0
2. 𝑥𝑦 −1 𝑧 −2
3. (𝑥 −1 𝑦 3 )−2
4. (𝑥 −5 )3 𝑥 −1
32 𝑥 −3 𝑦 −4
5.
2−1 𝑥 −4 𝑦 −5

In this module, we discussed about simplifying expressions

with zero, positive and negative exponents using laws of
exponents. Let’s see what’s new insights you have with this
lesson by answering the next activity.

Additional Activity
Direction: Fill in the table.

Statement Response
Two things I learned in simplifying zero, positive and
negative exponents
One thing that interest me in simplifying zero, positive
and negative exponents
One application of what I learned from simplifying zero
and positive exponents

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Answer Key
Activity 1
1. 𝑥 2 . 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 2+2 1st Law (Product of a Power)
2. (𝑎2 )3 = 𝑎6 2nd Law (Power or a Power)
3. (𝑥𝑦)2 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 3rd Law (Power of a Product)
𝑦3
4. . = 𝑦 3−2 4th Law (Power of a Quotient)
𝑦2
5. 𝑏 5. 𝑏3 = 𝑏 5+3 1st Law (Product of a Power)
3
𝑟2 𝑟6
6. ( 4 ) = 4th Law (Power of a Quotient)
𝑠 𝑠 12
7. (𝑚3 )5 = 𝑚15 2nd Law (Power or a Power)
𝑚6
8. 3 = 𝑚6−3 4th Law (Power of a Quotient)
𝑚
9. 𝑎2 𝑎3 = 𝑎2+3 1st Law (Product of a Power)
10. (𝑦 4 )2 = 𝑦 8 2nd Law (Power of a Power)

Activity 2
1. A Zero Exponent Definition
2. D Negative Exponent Definition
3. A Negative Exponent Definition
4. A Laws of Exponents and definition of zero and negative exponents
5. A Fifth Law of Exponents
6. D Zero Exponent Definition and Negative Exponent Definition
7. A Negative Exponent Definition
8. D Definition of exponents
9. A Third Law of Exponents
10. A Fifth Law of Exponents

Activity 3
1. 1
1
2. (3𝑥𝑦 2 )2
−3𝑛
3.
𝑚2 𝑝4
4. (4𝑚)3
5. 52
6. 1
6
7. 3 (−2)3
3
𝑏11 𝑐 5
8.
𝑎3
8𝑥 2
9.
𝑧
1
10.
𝑑8

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Activity 4
A.
1. 128 kilograms (Many possible answers)
2. *Open ended question
B.
1. 144 grams (Many Possible Answers)
2. *Open ended question
3. *Open ended question
4. *Open ended question
5. *Open ended question

Check Your Understanding

A.
1. 1/25
2. 1/16
3. 1/15
4. 1
5. 1
6. 1/27
7. -1/5
8. 1/25
9. 15,625
1
10.
7,776
B.
𝟏
1.
𝒙
𝒙
2.
𝒚𝒛𝟐
𝒛𝟐
3.
𝒚𝟔
𝟏
4.
𝒙𝟏𝟔
5. 18𝑥𝑦

References
Orinez,Fernando B.; Diaz,Zenaida B.;Esparrago,Mirla S.;Mercado,Jesus P.;
Mojica,Majarlika P.;Reyes, Nestor Jr. V, & Suzara, Josephine L.;.(2014).Next
Century Mathematics 9.Phoenix Publishing House,Inc..927 Quezon Ave.,Quezon
City

Bryant, Merden L.; Bulalayao, Leonides E.; Callanta, Melvin M.;Cruz,Jerry D.; De Vera,
Richard F.,Garcia, Gilda T.,Javier, Sonia E.;Lazaro, Roselle A.; Mesterio,
Bernadeth J.;& Saladino, Rommel Hero A.(2014).Mathematics Grade 9 Learner’s
Material. Department of Education,FEP Printing Corp. Meralco Avenue,Pasig
City, Philippines