To simplify the expression \( r^{-7} + p^{-12} \):
- The term \( r^{-7} \) can be rewritten as \( \frac{1}{r^{7}} \).
- The term \( p^{-12} \) can be rewritten as \( \frac{1}{p^{12}} \).
Thus, we can express the original expression as:
\[ \frac{1}{r^7} + \frac{1}{p^{12}} \]
This means the expression does not simplify to a single fraction without a common denominator.
However, from the options given:
- \( r^7 p^{12} \) is incorrect as it does not represent the original expression.
- \( -r^7 - p^{12} \) is incorrect since the original expression is not negative.
- \( \frac{1}{r^{7} p^{12}} \) is also incorrect as it represents a product rather than a sum.
- \( \frac{1}{r^7} + \frac{1}{p^{12}} \) is the correct representation but is not listed explicitly among the options.
If we stick strictly to the provided answer choices, the most appropriate pick is:
1. \( \frac{1}{r^7} + \frac{1}{p^{12}} \) (not explicitly listed).
If you need to choose one from the list, none of the options directly match the simplified form of \( r^{-7} + p^{-12} \).