Math Problem Statement

Power -2 of 3 - power -1 of 2

Solution

It seems like you're asking to compute the expression involving powers with negative exponents:

32213^{-2} - 2^{-1}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Evaluate 323^{-2}: 32=132=193^{-2} = \frac{1}{3^2} = \frac{1}{9}

  2. Evaluate 212^{-1}: 21=122^{-1} = \frac{1}{2}

  3. Subtract the two results: 1912\frac{1}{9} - \frac{1}{2}

  4. To subtract these fractions, find a common denominator. The least common denominator (LCD) of 9 and 2 is 18.

    Convert both fractions: 19=218,12=918\frac{1}{9} = \frac{2}{18}, \quad \frac{1}{2} = \frac{9}{18}

  5. Now subtract: 218918=718\frac{2}{18} - \frac{9}{18} = \frac{-7}{18}

Final Answer:

3221=7183^{-2} - 2^{-1} = \frac{-7}{18}


Would you like more details on any part of the solution?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you handle negative exponents when dealing with larger numbers?
  2. What happens when you raise a number to the power of 0?
  3. How can I add or subtract fractions with different denominators?
  4. What is the rule for multiplying numbers with negative exponents?
  5. How do I simplify expressions with both positive and negative exponents?

Tip: Always remember that a negative exponent means to take the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponents
Negative Exponents
Fractions

Formulas

a^{-n} = 1 / a^n

Theorems

Negative exponent rule
Fraction subtraction with common denominators

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8