Question

evaluate. write your answer as a fraction or whole number without exponents. 2⁻⁴ = \boxed{}

Explanation:

Step1: Recall negative exponent rule

The rule for negative exponents is \(a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^{n}}\) (where \(a
eq0\) and \(n\) is a positive integer). For \(2^{-4}\), we apply this rule, so \(2^{-4}=\frac{1}{2^{4}}\).

Step2: Calculate \(2^{4}\)

\(2^{4}=2\times2\times2\times2 = 16\). So \(\frac{1}{2^{4}}=\frac{1}{16}\).

Answer:

\(\frac{1}{16}\)