5^-2 = 0.04 Why can't I type in negative powers of 5 and not get a decimal?
5^-2= (-25)
Put parentheses around the -2 AND 5^(-2) IS .04
\(5^2=25\\ -5^2=-1*5^2=-25\\ but\\ 5^{-2}=\frac{1}{5^2}=0.04\)
Because you have to understand what "negative power" means: 5^-2=1/(5^2)=1/25=.04. And that is the reason you get that answer. Make sure you understand "negative exponents or powers".
