SOLUTION: How do you do the equation: 3 to the negative 2nd power x 3 to the negative 1 power

Algebra ->  Exponents-negative-and-fractional -> SOLUTION: How do you do the equation: 3 to the negative 2nd power x 3 to the negative 1 power      Log On


   

Question 963651: How do you do the equation:
3 to the negative 2nd power x 3 to the negative 1 power
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
When multiplying exponents with the same base, you add the exponents:
%28x%5Ea%29%28x%5Eb%29=x%5E%28a%2Bb%29 so:
%283%5E%28-2%29%29%283%5E%28-1%29%29=3%5E%28-2%2B-1%29=3%5E%28-3%29=1%2F%283%5E3%29=1%2F27
CHECK:
%283%5E-2%29%283%5E-1%29=%281%2F3%5E2%29%281%2F3%5E1%29=%281%2F9%29%281%2F3%29=1%2F27