Question

what is the value of $3^{-1}$?
$3^{-1}=\frac{1}{3}$
what is the value of $3^{-2}$?
$3^{-2}=\square$

Explanation:

Step1: Apply negative exponent rule

Recall that $a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$ for non-zero $a$. For $3^{-2}$, this gives $\frac{1}{3^2}$.

Step2: Calculate the denominator

$3^2 = 3 \times 3 = 9$

Step3: Write the final fraction

Substitute the denominator result: $\frac{1}{9}$

Answer:

$\frac{1}{9}$