Question

Evaluating an Expression
Evaluate the expression.   [(3–5)(34)]3

1 Innermost group, apply the product of powers: [3–1]3

2 Apply the power of a power:         3–3

3 Apply the negative exponent:         
1
33

4 Simplify:                  
1
x

What is the value of x in the simplified expression?
x=

Answer 1

x = 27

Reason: (3^(−5)·3^4)^3 = (3^(−1))^3 = 3^(−3) = 1/3^3 = 1/27, so x = 27.