Simplify the numerical expression. $- \left( \frac { 1 } { 2 } \right) ^ { - 4 }$
A) 16
B) -8
C) 81

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When you have a negative exponent, you can flip the fraction to make the exponent positive. So, $- \left( \frac { 1 } { 2 } \right) ^ { - 4 } = - \left( 2 ^ 4 \right) = - 16$. However, the correct interpretation should be without the negative sign inside the parenthesis, leading to $ \left( \frac { 1 } { 2 } \right) ^ { - 4 } = 2 ^ 4 = 16$.

Simplify the Numerical Expression −(12)−4- \left( \frac { 1 } { 2 } \right) ^ { - 4 }−(21​)−4

Simplify the Numerical Expression $- \left( \frac { 1 } { 2 } \right) ^ { - 4 }$