Convert the Expression: Finding the Value of 1/3²

The negative exponent rule says that when you have $\frac{1}{a^n}$, you can move the base to the numerator by making the exponent negative. It's like flipping the fraction!

$-3^2 = -9$ (negative nine), but $3^{-2} = \frac{1}{9}$ (positive one-ninth). The negative sign placement makes a huge difference!

Think of it as "flip and switch": flip the fraction (move the base up), then switch the exponent sign from positive to negative. $\frac{1}{base^{positive}} = base^{negative}$

Yes, that's correct mathematically! But this question asks for the equivalent expression using exponents, not the decimal value. Both $3^{-2}$ and $\frac{1}{9}$ are right, but only $3^{-2}$ matches the format requested.

If you start with $\frac{1}{3^{-2}}$, it becomes $3^{-(-2)} = 3^2$. The rule still works: flip the sign of whatever exponent you have!