Evaluate the expression. (1/4)^-2

1 answer

To evaluate the expression \((\frac{1}{4})^{-2}\), we can use the property of exponents that states \(a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}\).

Applying this property, we have:

\[ (\frac{1}{4})^{-2} = \frac{1}{(\frac{1}{4})^2} \]

Next, we calculate \((\frac{1}{4})^2\):

\[ (\frac{1}{4})^2 = \frac{1^2}{4^2} = \frac{1}{16} \]

Now we substitute this back into our expression:

\[ \frac{1}{(\frac{1}{4})^2} = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{16}} = 16 \]

So,

\[ (\frac{1}{4})^{-2} = 16 \]

Thus, the final result is:

\[ \boxed{16} \]