Write the expression with only positive exponents and evaluate if possible. Assume all variables represent nonzero real
numbers.
-$( - 5 ) ^ { - 2 }$
A) $- \frac { 1 } { 25 }$
B) 25
C) $\frac { 1 } { 25 }$
D) $- 25$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive of that exponent. Thus, $(-5)^{-2}$ becomes $\frac{1}{(-5)^2} = \frac{1}{25}$.

Write the Expression with Only Positive Exponents and Evaluate If (−5)−2( - 5 ) ^ { - 2 }(−5)−2

Write the Expression with Only Positive Exponents and Evaluate If $( - 5 ) ^ { - 2 }$