is my work right? solve 1/(3x/5)^2

In this problem: 1/(3x/5)^2

I solved:
1/1*(5/3x)^2

1/1*(25/9x)^2

25/9x^2

is this right?

IF you have it written as you intend, you MAY have it.

What is the difference between these two:

25/9x^2
25/(9x^2)

Or is there any difference.

Hint: Think "Order of Operations"

gracierox77 said:

In this problem: 1/(3x/5)^2 I solved: 1/1*(5/3x)^2

Click to expand...

I'm going to guess you mean that you "simplified". If so, this first step is correct.

gracierox77 said:

1/1*(25/9x)^2

Click to expand...

How did you go from "(5/3x)²" to "(25/9x)²"? Why did the 5/3 turn into a 25/9, while the x and the squaring stayed the same?

gracierox77 said:

25/9x^2

Click to expand...

If, in your previous step, you mean "(25/(9x²))" then, yes, this is okay. But otherwise, two "wrongs" have somehow "cancelled out" and magically produced a "right". This may not get credit now, and will almost certainly cause grave difficulties later (such as on tests).

Please check your work! :wink:

Eliz.