To simplify this​ expression, first find the base of the exponential term. Then simplify the expression. Assume that x is nonzero.

To simplify the expression 4x^-2, first recognize that the base is x.

Now, remember that x^-n is equivalent to 1/x^n. Therefore, x^-2 is equivalent to 1/x^2.
Substitute this back into the original expression:
4 * 1/x^2
Since anything divided by 1 is itself, the expression can be further simplified to:
4/x^2

Therefore, 4x^-2 simplifies to 4/x^2.