Apply the Properties of Integer Exponents to generate equivalent expressions to 2 raised to the 2 power/2 raised to the −4 power with only positive exponents, then solve the expression. Provide the solution as a whole number.

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \( \frac{2^2}{2^{-4}} \) using the properties of integer exponents, we can use the quotient of powers property, which states that:

\[ \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n} \]

In this case, we can apply this property:

\[ \frac{2^2}{2^{-4}} = 2^{2 - (-4)} = 2^{2 + 4} = 2^6 \]

Now, we can calculate \( 2^6 \):

\[ 2^6 = 64 \]

Thus, the equivalent expression simplifies to a whole number, which is

\[ \boxed{64} \]