Explanation:

Let’s break it down step by step:

- The question: To what power should -3 be raised to get -2187?

- So, you want (-3)^x = -2187.

- Let’s check if -2187 is a power of -3.

- If you do (-3)^1 = -3, (-3)^3 = -27, and so on. Now, (-3)^5 = -243, and (-3)^7 = -2187.

- That matches! (-3)^7 does equal -2187.

Now, let’s look at your options:

- Option 1: -5 ?? Nope, (-3)^-5 gives you a tiny negative fraction, not -2187.

- Option 2: -7 ?? This would flip the sign and make it a small negative number.

- Option 3: 7 Yes, (-3)^7 = -2187.

- Option 4: 5 ?? Only gets you, (-3)^5 = -243, not even close.