Use the laws of exponents to simplify each expression using positive exponents only. Assume all variables represent nonzero real numbers.
-$- 3 ^ { - 2 }$
A) 9
B) $\frac { 1 } { 6 }$
C) $- \frac { 1 } { 9 }$
D) $- 9$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The law of negative exponents states that $a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$. Applying this to $-3^{-2}$, we get $-\frac{1}{3^2} = -\frac{1}{9}$.

Use the Laws of Exponents to Simplify Each Expression Using −3−2- 3 ^ { - 2 }−3−2

Use the Laws of Exponents to Simplify Each Expression Using $- 3 ^ { - 2 }$