Solve for x if x^-⅔=9

2 answers

x^(-n) = 1 / x^n

So x^-⅔ = 9 is equal to:

x^⅔ = 1 / 9

Rise both sides to pover of three.

x^2 = 1 / 9^3

x^2 = 1 / 729

x = ± 1 / √729

x = ± 1 / 27

You must eliminate the solution

x = - 1 / 27 because

x^⅔ = √x^3

In this case:

( - 1 / 27 )^⅔ = √ [ ( - 1 / 27)^3 ]

Square root of negative number us complex number, so the solution is:

x = 1 / 27
but
(-1/27)^(2/3)
= [(-1/27)^(1/3)]^2
= (-1/3)^2
= 1/9
both answers verify

x = ± 1/27