Answer:
option C. ( - 5 ) 5.
Explanation:
1. Using the rule of exponents, when dividing two numbers with the same base, we subtract the exponents. In this case, (-5)^7 ÷ (-5)^2 becomes (-5)^(7-2).
2. Simplifying the exponent, 7-2 equals 5. So, the expression becomes (-5)^5.
3. Since the base (-5) is negative, but we want to have only one positive power for the base, we can rewrite (-5)^5 as -1 × (5)^5.
4. Finally, (-1) × (5)^5 is equal to -(5)^5.