Question

Which is the value of this expression when a = negative 2 and b = negative 3? (StartFraction 3 a Superscript negative 3 Baseline b squared Over 2 a Superscript negative 1 Baseline b Superscript 0 Baseline EndFraction) squared

Answer 1

Answer:

  27/8

Step-by-step explanation:

You seem to want to evaluate ...

  $\dfrac{3a^{-3}b^2}{2a^{-1}b^0}$

I like to simplify the expression first, even though the order of operations would have you evaluate it as is.

  $=\dfrac{3}{2}a^{-3-(-1)}b^{2-0}=\dfrac{3b^2}{2a^2}$

Substitute the given values for "a" and "b" and do the arithmetic.

  $=\dfrac{3(-3)^2}{2(-2)^2}=\dfrac{3\cdot 9}{2\cdot 4}=\boxed{\dfrac{27}{8}}$