Question

Which is the value of this expression when a = negative 2 and b = negative 3? (StartFraction 3 a Superscript negative 3 Baseline b squared Over 2 a Superscript negative 1 Baseline b Superscript 0 Baseline EndFraction) squared

Answer 1

27/8

Explanation:

You seem to want to evaluate ...

`(3a^(-3)b^2)/(2a^(-1)b^0)`

I like to simplify the expression first, even though the order of operations would have you evaluate it as is.

`=(3)/(2)a^(-3-(-1))b^(2-0)=(3b^2)/(2a^2)`

Substitute the given values for "a" and "b" and do the arithmetic.

`=(3(-3)^2)/(2(-2)^2)=(3\cdot 9)/(2\cdot 4)=\boxed{(27)/(8)}`