Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Understand the Problem
We need to calculate $$7^{-2}$$, which means we are finding the reciprocal of $$7^{2}$$.
Step 3:: Calculate 7^{2}
7^{2} = 7 \times 7 = 49
Step 4:: Apply the Negative Exponent Rule
7^{-2} = \frac{1}{7^{2}} = \frac{1}{49}
The negative exponent means we take the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent:
Step 5:: Simplify the Fraction
7^{-2} = \frac{1}{49}
Final Answer
Key Insight: A negative exponent means you flip the base and make the exponent positive. So 7^{- 2} is equivalent to \frac{1}{7^{2}}, which equals \frac{1}{49}.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students