Question

evaluate $-(5^{-4})(5^2)$
a. $\frac{1}{25}$
b. $-\frac{1}{25}$
c. $-25$
d. $25$

Explanation:

Step1: Use exponent rule \(a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m + n}\)

\(-(5^{-4})(5^{2}) = -5^{-4 + 2}\)

Step2: Simplify the exponent

\(-5^{-2}\)

Step3: Use negative exponent rule \(a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n}\)

\(-\frac{1}{5^{2}} = -\frac{1}{25}\)

Answer:

B. \(-\frac{1}{25}\)