Question

So I've got a math problem I don't understand: simplify (3^ - 2 + 5^ - 2) ^ -1 I got 34 but apparently the answer's 225/34, shouldn't i just multiply -2 and -5 by 1 making it 3^2 + 5^2 which is 34 Pliz help, cramming for a test tmw

Answer 1

◆ Exponential Reductions ◆

Hey !!

Check the attachment.
Hope it helps you :)

P.s. In your question the negative no. is in exponentials or in power ,

a^m = a*a*a*a...(m times)

But if m is negative then solve like -
a^-m = 1/a^m

Answer 2

The exponent tells you the number of times that factor is in the product. When the exponent is negative, the product is in the denominator.
.. (3⁻² +5⁻²)⁻¹ = 1/(1/9 +1/25) = 1/(34/225) = 225/34