Question

complete the statement.
if $a$ is any nonzero value and $n$ is an integer, then $a^{-n} = ?$
options:
$a^{n}$
$-a^{n}$
$\frac{1}{a^{n}}$
$\frac{1}{a^{-n}}$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall negative exponent rule

For non-zero $a$, $a^{-n}$ equals reciprocal of $a^n$.

Step2: Match with options

The rule gives $a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$, which is one of the options.

Answer:

$\frac{1}{a^n}$