1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $-1 - (-3)^4$ and verify if it equals $-1(81)$. 2. **Recall the order of operations and exponent rules:** Exponents are evaluated before addition or subtraction. Also, $(-3)^4$ means $-3$ multiplied by itself 4 times. 3. **Calculate $(-3)^4$:** $$(-3)^4 = (-3) \times (-3) \times (-3) \times (-3) = 9 \times 9 = 81$$ 4. **Substitute back into the expression:** $$-1 - (-3)^4 = -1 - 81$$ 5. **Simplify the subtraction:** $$-1 - 81 = -1 + (-81) = -82$$ 6. **Check the right side:** $$-1(81) = -81$$ 7. **Compare both sides:** Left side is $-82$, right side is $-81$, so they are not equal. **Final answer:** $$-1 - (-3)^4 = -82 \neq -1(81) = -81$$