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Determine if each pair of expressions is equivalent. Explain your reasoning. 1 /3^ 2 and 3 − ^2 1/ 4^ − 3 and 4 ^− 3

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Answer:

1 /3^ 2 and 3^2 are equivalent

1/ 4^ − 3 and 4^− 3 are not equivalent.

Explanation:

According to one of the law of indices, given two numbers a and b

a^-b = 1/a^b

When a number is raised to a negative power, the equivalent form of the expression becomes a fraction when the negative power is removed.

Given this pair of expressions

1 /3^ 2 and 3 − ^2

Both expression are equal by applying the law of indices above.

3^-2 = 1/3^2 ( note that 3 serves as 'a' while 2 serves as 'b)

For the pair of expressions

1/ 4^ − 3 and 4 ^− 3

Both expressions are not equal, becomes converting 4 ^− 3 to a fraction suppose to neutralize the negative sign to give 1/4^3 instead of 1/ 4^ − 3.

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