Question

Choose a term from the Key Vocabulary list above that best describes the given expression.

$5^{-2}=\frac{1}{5^2}$

Short answer

The given expression can be best described as a negative exponent.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Define an expression.

A mathematical expression is a combinations of numbers and variables ordered with mathematical operations.

Step 2. Define negative exponent rule.

According to the negative exponent rule a number raised to a negative power is equal to one over the number raised to the positive power.

$a^{-n}=\frac{1}{a^n}$

Where, role="math" localid="1647721808273" $a$is any non-zero real number.

Step 3. Write the best description for the expression, 5−2=152.

Observe the expression, $5^{-2}=\frac{1}{5^2}$.

This expression, involves 5 to the power minus 2 is equal to one over 5 to the power positive 2.

So, it can be termed as a negative exponent.

Therefore the given expression can be best described as a negative exponent.