Question

Simplify. (-2)^-3……………………………….

Answer 1

Answer:
`-(1)/(8)`

Explanation:

We will simplify the given expression. Since these are negative exponents, we will multiply the reciprocal of the base.

Given:

`(-2)^(-3)`

Expand:

`(1)/(-2)` *
`(1)/(-2)` *
`(1)/(-2)`

Multiply:

`-(1)/(8)`

Answer 2

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Required answer: -1/8

Detailed solution:

Let us now recall the 7th property of exponents:
`x^(-m)=(1)/(x^m)`

Likewise,

`(-2)^(-3)=-(1)/(2^3)=-(1)/(8)`

∴ answer: -1/8