Question

evaluate. write your answer as a fraction or whole number without exponents.
$4^{-2}=\square$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall negative exponent rule

The negative exponent rule states that \(a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^{n}}\) for any non - zero number \(a\) and positive integer \(n\). For \(a = 4\) and \(n=2\), we have \(4^{-2}=\frac{1}{4^{2}}\).

Step2: Calculate the positive exponent

We know that \(4^{2}=4\times4 = 16\). So, \(\frac{1}{4^{2}}=\frac{1}{16}\).

Answer:

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