Does 2x^-2 equal 1/(2x^2)?

Only the x is raised to the negative power not the 2

remember PEDMAS

There is an invisable x sign between the 2 and the x 

and, you must do exponents (powers) before you do multiply.  so only the x is raised to the power of -2

It does, since ax^-1=1/ax

and ax^-2=1/ax^2

so 2x^-2=1/2x^2

Remember that the exponent on the thing on the left is only on "x," not on the 2. So we have...

2/x²   =  1/(2x²)     ???

And this isn't true...