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Extra Insights
To evaluate \( 3.5^{-2} \), remember that a negative exponent signifies the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent. Hence, \( 3.5^{-2} \) is the same as \( \frac{1}{3.5^2} \). Now you just need to calculate \( 3.5^2 \), which equals 12.25. So, \( 3.5^{-2} = \frac{1}{12.25} \approx 0.0816 \). When working with negative exponents, a common mistake is to forget to take the reciprocal altogether. Always double-check that you’re flipping the base when you encounter a negative exponent. It’s a small detail that can trip up even the most seasoned math enthusiasts!