Question

2^-1 ∙ 2^-4 is what?

Answer 1

The rule for multiplying similar bases with exponents...

(a^b)(a^c)=a^(b+c)

In this case:

(2^-1)(2^-4)

2^(-1-4)

2^-5 which is equal to:

1/(2^5)

1/32

Answer 2

1/2 . 1/16 = 1/32

When the power is minus just flip the number and make it denominator and make the power positive