Question

Simplify. (-2)^-3 A.-8 B.-1/8 C.1/8 D.8

Answer 1

ANSWER

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

EXPLANATION

We want to simplify;

${( - 2)}^{ - 3}$

Recall that,

${a}^{ - m} = \frac{1}{ {a}^{m} }$

${( - 2)}^{ - 3} = \frac{1}{{( - 2)}^{ 3}}$

We multiply out to get,

${( - 2)}^{ - 3} = \frac{1}{{- 2} \times - 2 \times - 2}$

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

The correct choice is B.