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

Respuesta :

(-12)^-3

[tex] =(-12)^{-3} [/tex]

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

[tex] =\frac{1}{(-12)^{3}} [/tex]

[tex] =\frac{1}{(-12)(-12)(-12)} [/tex]

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

[tex] =\frac{1}{-1728} [/tex] (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.