document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=52880>Question 52880</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> I think I'm starting to understand how to solve these types of equations.  However, I think I may need a bit more \"English\" as to the exact steps.  Could someone help me with solving x^-2 = 4.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Thanks!    </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #35270 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=ankor@dixie-net.com><B>ankor@dixie-net.com(22740)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=ankor@dixie-net.com><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=ankor@dixie-net.com><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=35270\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> solve x^-2 = 4.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Just follow the simple rules of algebra.<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Negative exponent involves the reciprocal:  x^-2  =  1/x^2<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "1/x^2  = 4<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Get rid of x^2 in the denominator; mult equation by x^2 resulting in:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "  1 = 4x^2<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Divide both sides by 4 resulting in:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "1/4 = x^2<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Or we can say:  x = SqRt[1/4]<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "x = 1/2;     <BR>\n" );
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