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 #35271 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=tutorcecilia><B>tutorcecilia(2152)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=tutorcecilia><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=tutorcecilia><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=35271\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> x^-2=4<BR>\n" );
document.write( "The easiest way is just to flip a negative exponent:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "x^-2=1/x^2 This will make the exponent positive without changing the value<BR>\n" );
document.write( "So, 1/x^2=4 <BR>\n" );
document.write( "sqrt(1)/sqrt(x)^2=sqrt(4) [Take the square root of both sides]<BR>\n" );
document.write( "1/x=2 [Solve for x]<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(1/x)(x/1)=(x/1)(2)<BR>\n" );
document.write( "1=2x<BR>\n" );
document.write( "1/2=x<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Check by plugging (x=1/2) back into the original equation:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "x^-2=4<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(1/2)^-2=4<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(2/1)^2=4[flip to get a positive exponent]<BR>\n" );
document.write( "4/1=4 [Simplify-<BR>\n" );
document.write( "4=4 [checks out]\r<BR>\n" );
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