a^-2 = 1/a^2, so
(C)
what is -a^-2 if a=-5?
A.)-25
B.)25
C.)-1/25
D.)1/25
I think it is D.
Please help.
4 answers
even though that is -a? you wrote it as positive a to the -2 power = 1/a to the 2nd ...just making sure
yes. the "-" is done after the ^-2
-a^-2 = -(a^-2) = -1/a^2
(-a)^-2 = 1/(-a)^2 = 1/a^2
-a^-2 = -(a^-2) = -1/a^2
(-a)^-2 = 1/(-a)^2 = 1/a^2
Thank you for the explanation - that really helps....