Simplify (-2)^2(-2)^5

${(- 2)}^{2} {(- 2)}^{5}$

Step 1

Multiply ${(- 2)}^{2}$ by ${(- 2)}^{5}$ by adding the exponents.

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

${(- 2)}^{2 + 5}$

Add $2$ and $5$ .

${(- 2)}^{7}$

Step 2

Raise $- 2$ to the power of $7$ .

$- 128$