Help with + and - exponents

[keith22]

Hello, me again. I have another question. I am trying to solve this equation. The answer is 1 2/9.




I have no idea how they're getting a fraction out of this. Please explain if possible! Thanks a lot

 

[HallsofIvy]

You seem to have ignored the negatives ("-"). \(\displaystyle 3^{-2}\) is not the same as \(\displaystyle 3^2= 9\). \(\displaystyle 9^{-1}\) is not the same as \(\displaystyle 9^1= 9\). Did you overlook that?

\(\displaystyle a^{-b}= \frac{1}{a^b}\).

 

[keith22]

I am pretty much re teaching myself EVERYTHING. I never did too well in high school and never took a grade 12 math class because math was my least strong point. I forget a lot of small and basic things. I haven't done math like this in 7+ years you have to remember.. Anyways I figured out the issue myself. Converted to fractions and then it all made sense. Thanks

 

[Deleted member 4993]

And if that does not work - PRACTICE some more!!