Understanding (4/7)^-1
In mathematics, a negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive version of the exponent. Let's break down (4/7)^-1:
The Basics
- Reciprocal: The reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number. For example, the reciprocal of 2 is 1/2.
- Negative Exponent: A negative exponent signifies taking the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive version of the exponent.
Solving (4/7)^-1
- Find the reciprocal of the base: The base is (4/7). Its reciprocal is (7/4).
- Raise the reciprocal to the positive exponent: The exponent is -1. The positive version is 1. So, we raise (7/4) to the power of 1.
- Simplify: (7/4)^1 is simply (7/4).
The Answer
Therefore, (4/7)^-1 is equal to 7/4.