To solve the equation
\[ \frac{1}{4} x^3 = -\frac{27}{4}, \]
we can start by isolating \(x^3\) using inverse operations. Here are the steps to solve it:
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Eliminate the fraction by multiplying both sides by 4: \[ 4 \left(\frac{1}{4} x^3\right) = 4 \left(-\frac{27}{4}\right). \] This simplifies to: \[ x^3 = -27. \]
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Use the cube root to solve for \(x\): \[ x = \sqrt[3]{-27}. \] Since the cube root of -27 is -3, we have: \[ x = -3. \]
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Check the solution by substituting \(x = -3\) back into the original equation: \[ \frac{1}{4} (-3)^3 = \frac{1}{4} (-27) = -\frac{27}{4}. \] Since both sides are equal, the solution is verified.
So, the final answer is:
\[ \boxed{-3}. \]