To simplify the expression \(- (b^{1/4})^{12}\), we can use the power of a power property of exponents, which states that:
\[ (a^m)^n = a^{m \cdot n} \]
Applying this property:
\[ -(b^{1/4})^{12} = -b^{(1/4) \cdot 12} \]
Calculating the exponent:
\[ (1/4) \cdot 12 = 12/4 = 3 \]
So, we have:
\[ -(b^{1/4})^{12} = -b^3 \]
Therefore, the equivalent expression is:
\(-b^3\) (negative b cubed).