1. The problem is to evaluate the expression $$(-8)^{\frac{2}{3}}$$. 2. Recall the rule for rational exponents: $$a^{\frac{m}{n}} = \sqrt[n]{a^m} = \left(\sqrt[n]{a}\right)^m$$ where $m$ is the numerator and $n$ is the denominator of the exponent. 3. Here, the exponent is $\frac{2}{3}$, so we can write: $$(-8)^{\frac{2}{3}} = \left((-8)^{\frac{1}{3}}\right)^2$$ 4. First, find the cube root of $-8$: $$(-8)^{\frac{1}{3}} = -2$$ because $(-2)^3 = -8$. 5. Now square the result: $$\left(-2\right)^2 = 4$$ 6. Therefore, the value of $$(-8)^{\frac{2}{3}}$$ is $$4$$.