(-2)^-3
When we have a negative base raised to a negative exponent, we can calculate it by using the rule that states:
a^(-n) = 1 / (a^n)
Applying this rule to (-2)^-3, we get:
(-2)^-3 = 1 / (-2)^3 = 1 / (-2 * -2 * -2) = 1 / (-8) = -1/8
So, (-2)^-3 equals -1/8.
To evaluate (-2)^-3:
Step 1: Evaluate the reciprocal of the base.
The reciprocal of -2 is -1/2.
Step 2: Raise the reciprocal of the base to the exponent.
(-1/2)^3 = -1/2 * -1/2 * -1/2 = -1/8
Therefore, (-2)^-3 equals -1/8.