Question:
$\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^{5} \times\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^{3}$ is equal to
(a) $\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^{8}$
(b) $-\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{8}$
(c) $\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)^{8}$
(d) $\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)^{15}$
Solution:
(a) $\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^{8}$
We have:
$\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^{5} \times\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^{3}=\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^{5+3}$
$=\left(\frac{-1}{2}\right)^{8}$