Final answer:
To solve (-2)⁻³ x (-3)⁻², simplify each exponent by moving the base to the denominator. Then, multiply the fractions to get the final answer of -1/72.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the expression (-2)⁻³ x (-3)⁻², we need to simplify each exponent first.
A negative exponent indicates that the base should be moved to the denominator.
So, (-2)⁻³ becomes 1/(-2)³, and (-3)⁻² becomes 1/(-3)². Simplifying further,
1/(-2)³ = 1/(-8) = -1/8
and
1/(-3)² = 1/9
Now, multiplying -1/8 and 1/9 gives us:
-1/8 x 1/9 = -1/72
Therefore, the expression (-2)⁻³ x (-3)⁻² equals -1/72.