Intermediate Algebra (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321969359
ISBN 13: 978-0-32196-935-4

Chapter 4 - Section 4.1 - Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation - 4.1 Exercises - Page 277: 47

Answer

$-\frac{1}{a^{3}}$

Work Step by Step

According to the negative exponent rule, $a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^{n}}$. Therefore, $-a^{-3}=\frac{-1}{a^{3}}=-\frac{1}{a^{3}}$. Recall that the base of the exponent is $a$ and not $-a$.
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