Evaluate 2(1/2)^-2

$2 {(\frac{1}{2})}^{- 2}$

Change the sign of the exponent by rewriting the base as its reciprocal.

$2 \cdot 2^{2}$

Multiply $2$ by $2^{2}$ by adding the exponents.

Multiply $2$ by $2^{2}$ .

Raise $2$ to the power of $1$ .

$2^{1} \cdot 2^{2}$

Use the power rule $a^{m} a^{n} = a^{m + n}$ to combine exponents.

$2^{1 + 2}$

Add $1$ and $2$ .

$2^{3}$

Raise $2$ to the power of $3$ .

$8$