Simplifying 3x^-3
In algebra, simplifying expressions is an essential skill to master. In this article, we will explore how to simplify the expression 3x^-3.
What does x^-3 mean?
Before we dive into simplifying the expression, let's quickly review what x^-3 means. In exponent notation, x^-3 is equivalent to 1/x^3. This means that for any value of x, x^-3 is equal to 1 divided by x cubed.
Simplifying 3x^-3
To simplify 3x^-3, we can start by rewriting the expression as:
3x^-3 = 3(1/x^3)
Next, we can simplify the expression by moving the 3 to the denominator:
3x^-3 = 3/1 * 1/x^3 = 3/x^3
So, the simplified form of 3x^-3 is 3/x^3.
Example
Let's say we want to evaluate 3x^-3 when x is equal to 2. Using the simplified expression, we can plug in x = 2:
3/x^3 = 3/2^3 = 3/8
Therefore, 3x^-3 is equal to 3/8 when x is 2.
Conclusion
Simplifying expressions like 3x^-3 is an important skill in algebra. By understanding the meaning of negative exponents and applying simple algebraic rules, we can simplify complex expressions into more manageable forms. In this case, we simplified 3x^-3 to 3/x^3, making it easier to evaluate and work with the expression.
