Simplifying (27/64)^(-2/3)
This problem involves working with fractional exponents. Here's how to simplify it:
Understanding Fractional Exponents
- Negative exponent: A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive version of that exponent. For example, x⁻² = 1/x².
- Fractional exponent: A fractional exponent represents a combination of a root and a power. For example, x^(m/n) = (ⁿ√x)ᵐ, where:
- n is the root (e.g., square root, cube root)
- m is the power.
Step-by-Step Solution
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Apply the negative exponent rule: (27/64)^(-2/3) = 1 / (27/64)^(2/3)
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Apply the fractional exponent rule: 1 / (27/64)^(2/3) = 1 / (³√(27/64))²
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Simplify the cube root: 1 / (³√(27/64))² = 1 / (3/4)²
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Square the fraction: 1 / (3/4)² = 1 / (9/16)
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Divide by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal: 1 / (9/16) = 1 * (16/9) = 16/9
Therefore, (27/64)^(-2/3) = 16/9