To simplify the expression \( r^{-4} p^{-8} \), we can use the properties of exponents.
- Recall that \( a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} \).
- Applying this to the expression:
\[ r^{-4} p^{-8} = \frac{1}{r^{4}} \cdot \frac{1}{p^{8}} = \frac{1}{r^{4} p^{8}} \]
So the simplified form of \( r^{-4} p^{-8} \) is:
\[ \frac{1}{r^{4} p^{8}} \]
Now, looking at the provided response options, none of them directly state \( \frac{1}{r^{4} p^{8}} \), but it can be interpreted in terms of notational differences. The closest option that represents the same expression in this context is:
1/r^4 + 1/p^8, but that is incorrect as per the rules of exponents.
Thus, none of the listed options is formatted correctly. However, if framed as a single fraction, the right response would be \( 1/r^4 p^8 \).
Since there is no appropriate option given, kindly review the multiple-choice options for alignment or correctness.