Evaluate (-3)^-3

Problem

(−3)(−3)

Solution

1. Apply the negative exponent rule which states that a(−n)=1/(an) for any non-zero base a

(−3)(−3)=1/((−3)3)

2. Evaluate the power in the denominator by multiplying the base by itself three times.

(−3)3=(−3)⋅(−3)⋅(−3)

3. Calculate the product of the three negative numbers.

(−3)⋅(−3)=9

9⋅(−3)=−27

4. Simplify the fraction by placing the negative sign in front of the fraction or in the numerator.

1/(−27)=−1/27

Final Answer

(−3)(−3)=−1/27

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