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.