Answer
a) $\frac{7}{12}$
b)$\frac{1}{81}$
Work Step by Step
a) $3^{-1}+2^{-2}=\frac{1}{3^1}+\frac{1}{2^2}=\frac{1}{3}+\frac{1}{4}=\frac{4}{12}+\frac{3}{12}=\frac{7}{12}$
b)$(3^{-2})^2=3^{-2\cdot2}=3^{-4}=\frac{1}{3^4}=\frac{1}{3\cdot3\cdot3\cdot3}=\frac{1}{81}$