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How does the Law of Negative Exponents help you estimate the value of 9^(-12)?

User Sonnia
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Final answer:

The Law of Negative Exponents states that when a number is raised to a negative exponent, it is the reciprocal of the same number raised to the positive exponent. Using this law, we can estimate the value of 9 raised to the power of -12.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Law of Negative Exponents states that when a number is raised to a negative exponent, it is the reciprocal of the same number raised to the positive exponent. In other words, if we have a number N raised to the power of -x, it is equal to 1 divided by N raised to the power of x.

Using this law, we can estimate the value of 9 raised to the power of -12. First, rewrite 9 as 9^1. Then, apply the Law of Negative Exponents to get 1/9^12. This can be further simplified as 1 divided by 9^12.

Although it is difficult to calculate the exact value, we can make a rough estimate by recognizing that 9 raised to a large positive exponent will result in a very large number. Therefore, 9 raised to a large negative exponent will be a very small number, close to zero.

User Jon Rodness
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