Question

2^-1 ∙ 2^-4 is what?

Answer 1

1/2 . 1/16 = 1/32

When the power is minus just flip the number and make it denominator and make the power positive

Answer 2

The rule for multiplying similar bases with exponents...

(a^b)(a^c)=a^(b+c)

In this case:

(2^-1)(2^-4)  

2^(-1-4)

2^-5  which is equal to:

1/(2^5)

1/32