Question

In this problem the first step is multiply with a -2

The second step it turns to division with a 2

Change you explain why this is done

Also does it change how to do the problem if the -2 is another number like -1 or 1?

X = (3.46x10^4) [(0.082057)(529)] -2 = 18.4

x=3.46x10^4 / [(0.082057)(529)] 2

Answer 1

Remember the rule for reciprocals that

1/x=x^-1

1/x^2=x^-2

1/x^3=x^-3 and soon...where x is any real number.

in your problem

X = (3.46x10^4) [(0.082057)(529)]^ -2 =(3.46x10^4) * 1/ [(0.082057)(529)]^ 2 (reciprocal is taken)

                                                       =(3.46x10^4) / [(0.082057)(529)]^ 2 [multiply the numerators (3.46x10^4) and 1 to get back (3.46x10^4)]