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In this example, we’re asked to write “a” to the negative 3rd squared in simplest form without negative or zero exponents.  Remember that the power rule tells us that when we have a power taken to another power, such as a to the negative 3rd squared, we multiply the exponents.  So we have a to the -3 times 2, or a to the negative 6th.   Finally, remember from our study of negative exponents that a to the negative 6th can be written as 1 over a to the positive 6th.  So a to the negative 3rd squared simplifies to 1 over a to the 6th.

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