fully simplify an algebraic expression with exponents

To simplify $(-5x^2y^5)^2$, we square each factor inside the parentheses: $(-5)^2 = 25$, $(x^2)^2 = x^{2 \times 2} = x^4$, and $(y^5)^2 = y^{5 \times 2} = y^{10}$. Combining these, we get $25x^4y^{10}$.