Question

If a = 6, which of the following is equal to aexponent-2?
1/6exponent2

-36
-12
6exponent 2

Answer 1

To evaluate the expression \( a^{-2} \) where \( a = 6 \), we can substitute the value of \( a \):

\[
a^{-2} = 6^{-2}
\]

This can be calculated as:

\[
6^{-2} = \frac{1}{6^2} = \frac{1}{36}
\]

Now, let's compare \( \frac{1}{36} \) to the options provided:

1. \( \frac{1}{6^2} = \frac{1}{36} \)
2. -36
3. -12
4. \( 6^2 = 36 \)

The expression \( a^{-2} \) is equal to \( \frac{1}{36} \), which matches option 1, \( \frac{1}{6^2} \).

Thus, the correct answer is:

\(\frac{1}{6^2}\)