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Aarav writes $3^{- 2} = - 9$ . What is his mistake, and the correct value?

Class 8Exponents and PowersExponents and Powers

AA negative power means reciprocal, so $3^{- 2} = \frac{1}{9}$
B $3^{- 2} = - 6$
C $3^{- 2} = 9$
D $3^{- 2} = - \frac{1}{9}$

Step-by-Step Solution

A negative exponent does not make the number negative; it gives the reciprocal:

3^{- 2} = \frac{1}{3 ^{2}} = \frac{1}{9}

.

Answer: A) A negative power means reciprocal, so

3^{- 2} = \frac{1}{9}

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