Final answer:
The correct expression when simplifying (-2) to the power of 2x times (-a)³ is 4ˣ x (-a)³ because squaring a negative number makes it positive, and an odd power of a negative number remains negative. Therefore correct option is A
Step-by-step explanation:
When simplifying the expression (-2) to the power of 2x times (-a)³, the power applies to both the base and the sign of the base.
Therefore, (-2)² is 4 because when you square a negative number it becomes positive.
For any integer a, (-a)³ is -a³ because the negative sign is raised to an odd power, making the result negative.
Hence, (-2)²ˣ x (-a)³ simplifies to 4ˣ x (-a)³.