(3^-2)^-3

[monge.alejandro]

(3^-2)^-3

3^-6
3^-5
3^-1
3^5
3^6

I would think you need to start with parenthesis, so 3^-2=9, which is the same than 3^2; then you multiply by the -3, to equal 3^-6. I think I read too much into it.

[jnelson0612]

(3^-2)^-3

3^-6
3^-5
3^-1
3^5
3^6

I would think you need to start with parenthesis, so 3^-2=9, which is the same than 3^2; then you multiply by the -3, to equal 3^-6. I think I read too much into it.

When I have an exponent that is taken to the power of another exponent, you simply need to multiply the two exponents together. Thus, this is 3^(-2 * -3), or 3^6.

Also, I want to clarify 3^-2. Anything to a negative power means take the reciprocal of the base, then apply the positive exponent. So 3^-2 becomes (1/3)^2, thus this expression actually is 1/9.