Solve 7 to the power of -3 using the property of negative integer exponents. The answer should not contain any exponent expression or decimals

1 answer

To solve \( 7^{-3} \) using the property of negative integer exponents, we can use the rule that states:

\[ a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} \]

Applying this to \( 7^{-3} \):

\[ 7^{-3} = \frac{1}{7^3} \]

Now, we need to calculate \( 7^3 \):

\[ 7^3 = 7 \times 7 \times 7 \]

Calculating this step-by-step:

  • First, calculate \( 7 \times 7 = 49 \).
  • Then, multiply that result by 7: \( 49 \times 7 = 343 \).

Therefore, \( 7^3 = 343 \).

Substituting back, we find:

\[ 7^{-3} = \frac{1}{7^3} = \frac{1}{343} \]

Thus, the final answer is:

\[ \frac{1}{343} \]