Question

evaluate. write your answer as a fraction or whole number without exponents. 5^{-2} = square

Explanation:

Step1: Recall negative - exponent rule

The rule for negative exponents is $a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^{n}}$, where $a = 5$ and $n = 2$.
So, $5^{-2}=\frac{1}{5^{2}}$.

Step2: Calculate $5^{2}$

$5^{2}=5\times5 = 25$.
So, $\frac{1}{5^{2}}=\frac{1}{25}$.

Answer:

$\frac{1}{25}$