HOW IS 1/(-2)³ THE SAME AS - 1/8? I understant that -2 x -2 x -2 = -8 but why does the entire fraction become negative?

Question

HOW IS  1/(-2)³ THE SAME AS - 1/8? I understant that -2 x -2 x -2 = -8 but why does the entire fraction become negative?

I would think the answer would be 1/-8? Not -1/8? Are they the same thing?

This is GMAT study question.

Ms. Sue · Answer

They are the same thing. When you divide a negative and a positive, the quotient is negative.