To determine which expression simplified would leave you with a negative exponent when simplified in exponent form, let's analyze each option.
A. \(3^3 - 3^4\)
This simplifies to \(3^3(1 - 3)\), which doesn't involve negative exponents.
B. \(3^5 \cdot (-3)^2\)
This is equal to \(3^5 \cdot 3^2 \cdot (-1)^2 = 3^{5+2} = 3^7\). No negative exponent here.
C. \((-3)^2\)
This equals \(9\), which has no exponents involved in its simplification.
D. \(\frac{3^3}{3^7}\)
Using the property of exponents, we simplify this to \(3^{3 - 7} = 3^{-4}\). This expression does result in a negative exponent.
The correct answer is: D. \(\frac{3^3}{3^7}\).