Question

rewrite the following without an exponent. $(-2)^{-3}$

Explanation:

Step1: Apply negative exponent rule

A negative exponent means the reciprocal: $(-2)^{-3} = \frac{1}{(-2)^3}$

Step2: Evaluate the positive exponent

Calculate the cube of -2: $(-2)^3 = (-2) \times (-2) \times (-2) = -8$

Step3: Substitute back to get result

Replace $(-2)^3$ with -8: $\frac{1}{(-2)^3} = \frac{1}{-8} = -\frac{1}{8}$

Answer:

$-\frac{1}{8}$