The exponent applies to the numerator and denominator separately. (1/2)2 = 12/22 = 1/4. For negative exponents, the numerator becomes the denominator and vice versa. (1/2)-2 = 22/12 = 4/1 = 4. Anything raised to the power of 0 is one. For fractional exponents, take the denominator root and raise that to the numerator. (1/2)1/2 = square root of 1/2 raised to the power of 1. (1/2)4/7 = seventh root of 1/2 raised to the fourth.