how would you solve the equation f(x)= (-3 to the power of -2 ) + 2

Question

f(x)= -3^-2+2

Answer 1

Given: f(x) = -3^-2 + 2

Since the negative is in front of the 3, it is applied last.

Use the exponent rule: x^-a = 1/x^a

-3^-2 = -1/3² = -1/9

Use the common denominator 9 and make 2 = 18/9

f(x) = -1/9 + 2 = -1/9 +2/1 * 9/9 = -1/9 + 18/9

f(x) = 17/9

Note: If the given function was f(x) = (-3)^-2 + 2, you'd get a different answer since (-3)^-2 = 1/(-3)² = 1/9