Simplifying (27/64)^(-2/3)
This problem involves simplifying a fractional exponent. Let's break it down step by step.
Understanding Fractional Exponents
A fractional exponent like (-2/3) represents both a root and a power. The denominator (3) indicates the root to be taken (in this case, a cube root), and the numerator (2) indicates the power to which the result is raised.
Applying the Rules
- Reciprocal: The negative exponent indicates a reciprocal. Therefore, (27/64)^(-2/3) is the same as (64/27)^(2/3).
- Cube Root: We calculate the cube root of both the numerator and denominator:
- ∛64 = 4
- ∛27 = 3
- Squaring: We square the results from the previous step:
- 4² = 16
- 3² = 9
Final Result
Putting it all together, we get:
(27/64)^(-2/3) = (64/27)^(2/3) = (∛64/∛27)² = (4/3)² = 16/9
Therefore, (27/64)^(-2/3) simplified as a fraction is 16/9.