Question

Lizbeth says that (-12)^-3 equals a positive number because the product of two negative numbers equals a positive. is this true. explain
PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

(-12)^-3

$=(-12)^{-3}$

convert negative exponent into positive using formula x^(-m)=1/x^m

$=\frac{1}{(-12)^{3}}$

$=\frac{1}{(-12)(-12)(-12)}$

$=\frac{1}{(144)(-12)}$ (because the product of two negative numbers equals a positive)

$=\frac{1}{-1728}$ (because the product of negative and positive numbers equals a negative)

We see that final answer is negative while Lizbeth says it should be positive.

Hence given explanation is FALSE.