If something is to a negative power is the number negative? eg: 5^-2

The question is kind of confusing. if it's asking how many variations of answers can you give. then do 4^5 for your answer.this would be something like the first question could be a and the 2nd c or first b next c etc. if you can, ask the teacher for a better confirmation of what it's asking. if i'm assuming correctly what it's asking, it's 625 different variations.

How much is 32 out of 40 written as a percentage? convert fraction (ratio) 32 / 40 answer:   80%