Solve (-7)^(-3): Calculating Negative Number with Negative Exponent

Question

(7)3=? (-7)^{-3}=\text{?}

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:04 Let's solve this math problem together.
00:07 Remember, when any number 'A' is raised to the power of 'N',
00:11 it equals one divided by 'A' raised to the power of negative 'N'.
00:17 Now, let's apply this rule to our question.
00:20 The number negative seven becomes one divided by negative seven,
00:26 and the exponent of negative three becomes positive three.
00:30 A negative times a negative gives us a positive.
00:35 And that's the solution to this problem!

Step-by-Step Solution

We begin by using the power property for a negative exponent:

bn=1bn b^{-n}=\frac{1}{b^n} We apply it to the problem:

(7)3=1(7)3 (-7)^{-3}=\frac{1}{(-7)^3} We then subsequently notice that each whole number inside the parentheses is raised to a negative power (that is, the number and its negative coefficient together) When using the previously mentioned power property: We are careful to take this into account,

We then continue by simplifying the expression in the denominator of the fraction, remembering the exponentiation property for the power of terms in multiplication:

(am)n=amn (a^m)^n=a^{m\cdot n} We apply the resulting expression

1(7)3=1(17)3=1(1)373=1173=173=173 \frac{1}{(-7)^3}=\frac{1}{(-1\cdot7)^3}=\frac{1}{(-1)^3\cdot7^3}=\frac{1}{-1\cdot7^3}=\frac{1}{-7^3}=-\frac{1}{7^3}

In summary we are able to deduce that the solution to the problem is as follows:

(7)3=1(7)3=173=173 (-7)^{-3}=\frac{1}{(-7)^3}=\frac{1}{-7^3}=-\frac{1}{7^3}

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Answer

173 -\frac{1}{7^{3}}