SOLUTION: 5^-2= a) 1/25 b)-1/25 c)1/10 d)-10

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Question 135122: 5^-2=
a) 1/25
b)-1/25
c)1/10
d)-10
Answer by stanbon(48535) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
5^-2=
The negative in the exponent mens "invert".
The 2 in the exponent means "square".
You may do those operations in any order, but you have to perform both actions.
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If you "invert" 1st you get (1/5)^2 = 1/25
If you "square" 1st you get (25)^-1 = 1/25
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a) 1/25
b)-1/25
c)1/10
d)-10
----------------
cheers,
Stan H.