-10 4^-2

Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.

Problem

-10 * 4^-2

Answer

\(-\frac{5}{8}\)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Identify the expression: The given expression is $-10 \cdot 4^{-2}$.
  1. Apply the negative exponent rule: The rule for negative exponents states that $a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}$. Therefore, $4^{-2} = \frac{1}{4^2}$.
  1. Calculate the power: We know that $4^2 = 16$, so $4^{-2} = \frac{1}{16}$.
  1. Substitute back into the expression: Now substitute this value back into the original expression: $-10 \cdot \frac{1}{16} = -\frac{10}{16}$.
  1. Simplify the fraction: Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2: $-\frac{10 \div 2}{16 \div 2} = -\frac{5}{8}$.

Comparing this result to the given options, it matches option B.