1. **State the problem:** Calculate the value of the expression $$2^4 \times \frac{1}{(-2)^3}$$. 2. **Recall the rules:** - Powers of numbers: $$a^m$$ means multiplying $$a$$ by itself $$m$$ times. - Negative exponents: $$\frac{1}{a^m} = a^{-m}$$. - Multiplying powers with the same base: $$a^m \times a^n = a^{m+n}$$. 3. **Calculate each part:** - $$2^4 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 16$$. - $$(-2)^3 = (-2) \times (-2) \times (-2) = -8$$. 4. **Substitute values:** $$16 \times \frac{1}{-8} = \frac{16}{-8}$$. 5. **Simplify the fraction:** $$\frac{16}{-8} = -2$$. 6. **Final answer:** $$2^4 \times \frac{1}{(-2)^3} = -2$$.