Negative Exponents as Fractals

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

7, 8

Overview

Determine the relationship between graphic patterns and what they represent mathematically. This video focuses on how fractals can be a visual representation of negative exponents, which are a way to express repeated division. This video was submitted through the Innovation Math Challenge, a contest open to professional and nonprofessional producers.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 8

MA19.8.3

Develop and apply properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions.

UP:MA19.8.3

Vocabulary

  • Integer Exponent

Knowledge

Students know:
  • that whole number exponents indicate repeated multiplication of the base number and that these exponents indicate the actual number of factors being produced.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Develop integer exponent operations in order to generate equivalent expressions through addition, multiplication, division and raising a power by another power with expressions containing integer exponents.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • just as whole number exponents represent repeated multiplication, negative integer exponents represent repeated division by the base number.
  • The exponent can be translated (visually, listing out the factors) to represent the exact number of factors being repeated so that the use of integer exponent operations ("rules") can be proven/make sense.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

PD
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