Final Answer:
The value of the quantity
is (-8).
To calculate this expression, we need to follow the rules of exponentiation. When a negative base is raised to a negative exponent, it becomes the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent. In this case, \((-1/2)^{-3}\) can be rewritten as
, which is equal to (-1/8). Therefore, the final answer is (-8).
Step-by-step explanation:
The given expression
involves a negative base raised to a negative exponent. According to the rules of exponentiation, when a negative base is raised to a negative exponent, it becomes the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent. Therefore,
.
Now,
means multiplying (-1/2) by itself three times.
Thus, the final value of the expression is (-8).
Exponentiation rules and properties, especially those involving negative bases and exponents. Understanding these rules is crucial for simplifying and evaluating expressions involving exponents.