apply the properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent expressions to 2 to the power of 2 over 2 to the power of negitive 4 with only positive exponents provide the expression as a whole number

1 answer

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

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

In this case, we have:

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

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

\[ 2^6 = 64 \]

Thus, the expression \(\frac{2^2}{2^{-4}}\) can be simplified to the whole number 64.