How do you express #5^-2# as a positive exponent? Algebra Exponents and Exponential Functions Negative Exponents 1 Answer smendyka Jan 21, 2017 #1/5^2# Explanation: To express #5^-2# as a positive exponent we will use this rule of exponents: #x^color(red)(a) = 1/x^color(red)(-a)# #5^color(red)(-2) = 1/5^color(red)(- -2) = 1/5^2# Answer link Related questions What are Negative Exponents? How are negative exponents used in real life? How do negative exponents represent repeated division? How does a negative exponent affect the base number? How do you simplify expressions with negative exponents? How do you evaluate expressions with negative exponents? How do negative exponents affect fractions? Why are negative exponents used? What is the exponent of zero property? How do you rewrite the expression #\frac{x^2}{y^3}# without fractions? See all questions in Negative Exponents Impact of this question 11680 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License