If a^(-3) = 1/125, what is a?

Study for the 8th Grade Mathematics Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

If a^(-3) = 1/125, what is a?

Explanation:
Negative exponents mean you’re dealing with a reciprocal: a^(-3) = 1/(a^3). If this equals 1/125, then a^3 must be 125. The cube root of 125 is 5, so a = 5. Using -5 would make a^3 = -125 and give -1/125, which doesn’t match.

Negative exponents mean you’re dealing with a reciprocal: a^(-3) = 1/(a^3). If this equals 1/125, then a^3 must be 125. The cube root of 125 is 5, so a = 5. Using -5 would make a^3 = -125 and give -1/125, which doesn’t match.

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