(7a)^-2
1/(7a^2)
1/49a^2
1/(7a)^2 = 1/(49a^2)
Do I need parentheses on the whole thing in the last step?
Only if typing
If you are writing then you can do
1
-------
49 a^2
however 1/49a^2
could be
(1/49)a^2
so parentheses are important when doing fractions with keyboard
To simplify the expression (7a)^-2, we use the exponent rule which states that when a power is raised to a negative exponent, it can be rewritten as the reciprocal of the power raised to the positive exponent.
Step 1: Apply the rule
(7a)^-2 = 1 / (7a)^2
Step 2: Simplify the square
(7a)^2 = 49a^2
Step 3: Substitute the simplified value back into the expression
1 / (7a)^2 = 1 / (49a^2)
Therefore, the simplified form of (7a)^-2 is 1/(49a^2).