Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Apply negative exponent rule

For any non-zero number $a$, $a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$. Here $a=3$, $n=1$.
$3^{-1} = \frac{1}{3^1}$

Step2: Simplify the denominator

$3^1 = 3$, so substitute back.
$3^{-1} = \frac{1}{3}$

Answer:

$\frac{1}{3}$