Final answer:
The expression 3⁻⁹/3⁻¹² is simplified by subtracting the exponents, yielding 3³, which is option c).
Step-by-step explanation:
To simplify the expression 3⁻⁹/3⁻¹², we use the law of exponents which states that when dividing exponential terms with the same base, you subtract the exponents. Therefore, the simplification will involve subtracting the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator:
- Identify the exponents: The numerator has an exponent of -9, and the denominator has an exponent of -12.
- Subtract the exponent in the denominator from the exponent in the numerator: (-9) - (-12) = -9 + 12 = 3.
- The result is the base raised to the new exponent: 3³.
This means that the simplified form of the expression is 3³, which is option c).