Final answer:
5^-2 is evaluated by reciprocating the base and raising it to the power of 2. Thus, the answer is 1/25, which corresponds to option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
To evaluate the expression 5^-2, we need to understand how negative exponents work. A negative exponent indicates that the base (in this case, 5) is to be reciprocated and raised to the absolute value of the given exponent. So, 5^-2 is equivalent to 1/(5^2), which simplifies to 1/25. Therefore, the answer to 5^-2 is B. 1/25.
When evaluating 5^-2, we need to apply the rule that a negative exponent flips the base to the denominator. So, 5^-2 is equal to 1/5^2. Simplifying this further, we get 1/25. Therefore, the correct answer is option B. 1/25.