SOLUTION: If a^m * a^3 = 1/a^2, what is a? How do you know?

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Question 1015095: If a^m * a^3 = 1/a^2, what is a? How do you know?
Answer by crabbyoldgamer(13) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a is any real number except 0. 1/0^2 is undefined.


a%5Em+%2A+a%5E3+=+1%2Fa%5E2 => a%5E%28m%2B3%29+=+a%5E%28-2%29


That means m+3 = -2, so m = -5.


But a can be any number except 0.