How to Evaluate Exponential Expressions

How to evaluate the following expression: -15^(-3) * (-2)^(-2) for a = 2 and b = -3?

A. 5/24

B. -5/24

C. -1080

D. -40/3

Answer:

B

Explanation:

To evaluate -15^(-3) * (-2)^(-2) for a = 2 and b = -3, we first simplify each exponent before multiplying the results. Let's break it down step by step:

-15^(-3) = (-1)^3 * (15)^(-3) = -1 * (1/15)^3 = -1 * (1/3375)

(-2)^(-2) = (-1)^2 * (2)^(-2) = (1) * (1/2)^2 = (1) * (1/4) = 1/4

Combining the two simplified expressions, we get -1 * (1/3375) * (1/4) = -1/13500

Therefore, the correct answer is B. -5/24