# Exponentiation --- **Exponentiation** is an operation in [[mathematics]] that is written as $b^n$ (where *b* i the "base" and *n* is the "exponent") which is shorthand for "b times itself n times". ## Raising Equations in Parenthesis When **raising equations that are in parenthesis** (using correct [[order of oper]]) ## Negative Powers To solve **negative powers**, such as $b^{-n}$, you take the [[fractions|inverse]] of the base (which is 1 over the base, or $\frac{1}{b}$) and then use the positive of the exponent. For example: $ 8^{-2} = \frac{1}{8^2} = \frac{1}{8}\cdot\frac{1}{8}=\frac{1}{16} $ ___