Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Exponents and Negative Exponents
Exponents represent repeated multiplication of a base number. A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the absolute value of the exponent. For example, a^(-n) = 1/(a^n). Understanding this concept is crucial for manipulating expressions involving negative exponents.
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Reciprocal Relationships
The reciprocal of a number is 1 divided by that number. For fractions, the reciprocal is obtained by swapping the numerator and denominator. This concept is essential when dealing with negative exponents, as it helps in rewriting expressions correctly and simplifying equations.
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Parallel & Perpendicular Lines
Squaring Fractions
Squaring a fraction involves multiplying the fraction by itself. For example, (a/b)^2 = a^2/b^2. This concept is important for evaluating expressions and verifying the truth of equations involving fractions, especially when comparing two sides of an equation.
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