Question

If b = 3, then b^-2 is equivalent to _____.


-9
9
-6
1/9

Answer 1

To find \( b^{-2} \) when \( b = 3 \), we can substitute 3 for \( b \):

\[
b^{-2} = (3)^{-2}
\]

Using the property of exponents, \( a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} \), we have:

\[
(3)^{-2} = \frac{1}{(3)^2}
\]

Calculating \( (3)^2 \):

\[
(3)^2 = 9
\]

Therefore,

\[
(3)^{-2} = \frac{1}{9}
\]

Thus, \( b^{-2} \) is equivalent to \( \frac{1}{9} \).

The answer is \( \frac{1}{9} \).