Question

If `b^(-1/2) = 4`, what is the value of b?

Answer 1

You first rewrite the equation.

Explanation:

The `-` in a power means it is 1 divided by.
`1/2` as a power means `sqrt`

So `b^(-1/2)` means `1/sqrtb`

`1/sqrtb=4->4*sqrtb=1->sqrtb=1/4->`

Square both sides:
`sqrtb^2=(1/4)^2->b=1/16`

Check your answer by doing it the other way around:

`(1/16)^-1=1/(1/16)=16->`
`16^(1/2)=sqrt16=4`