What is the value of (1/2) raised to the power of negative 2?

Explanation: (1/2)^(-2) = 2² = 4. A negative exponent means taking the reciprocal: (a/b)^(-n) = (b/a)^n. Negative and fractional exponents frequently appear in competitive exam algebra. Understanding this rule prevents errors and enables simplification of complex exponential expressions in higher-level mathematics questions.