SOLUTION: What is -3 to the -4 power? I got 1/+81. My teacher said it was wrong and i don't have the correct answer and am trying to figure out how to achieve the correct answer. Here is wha

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: What is -3 to the -4 power? I got 1/+81. My teacher said it was wrong and i don't have the correct answer and am trying to figure out how to achieve the correct answer. Here is wha      Log On


   

Question 825824: What is -3 to the -4 power? I got 1/+81. My teacher said it was wrong and i don't have the correct answer and am trying to figure out how to achieve the correct answer. Here is what i did:
-3x-3x-3x-3= 81
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
-3 to the -4 power?
%28-3%29%5E%28-4%29
1%2F%28-3%29%5E4
1%2F%28%289%29%289%29%29
1%2F81

How your notation appears on paper might help in understanding why your teacher judged your answer as wrong. If your process included what you showed in your posting, -3x-3x-3x-3=+81, then yes, your work is wrong and your answer, whether right or wrong, is still wrong.