Question

rewrite the following without an exponent. $(-7)^{-2}$

Explanation:

Step1: Apply negative exponent rule

A negative exponent means the reciprocal: $a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$, so $(-7)^{-2} = \frac{1}{(-7)^2}$

Step2: Calculate the denominator

Square the base in the denominator: $(-7)^2 = (-7) \times (-7) = 49$

Step3: Simplify the expression

Substitute the denominator result: $\frac{1}{49}$

Answer:

$\frac{1}{49}$