Question

evaluate. write your answer as a fraction or whole number without exponents.
2^ - 3 = 3/16

Explanation:

Step1: Recall negative - exponent rule

By the negative - exponent rule $a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^{n}}$, so $2^{-3}=\frac{1}{2^{3}}$.

Step2: Calculate $2^{3}$

We know that $2^{3}=2\times2\times2 = 8$.

Answer:

$\frac{1}{8}$