%5E-2.jpeg "(3/8)^-2")
Understanding (3/8)^-2
In mathematics, a negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive version of the exponent. Therefore, (3/8)^-2 is equivalent to:
1/(3/8)^2
Let's break it down further:
Step 1: Calculate (3/8)^2
(3/8)^2 = (3/8) * (3/8) = 9/64
Step 2: Find the reciprocal
The reciprocal of 9/64 is 64/9.
Final Answer
Therefore, (3/8)^-2 = 64/9.
This can also be expressed as a mixed number: 7 1/9 or a decimal: 7.1111 (repeating).