Simplify. \( \mathbf{6}^{-2} \) \( \begin{array}{ll} & -12 \\ \bigcirc & 1 / 12\end{array} \)

To simplify \( \mathbf{6}^{-2} \), we recognize that a negative exponent means taking the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent. Thus, \( \mathbf{6}^{-2} = \frac{1}{\mathbf{6}^{2}} \). Calculating \( \mathbf{6}^{2} \) gives us \( 36 \), so we have \( \frac{1}{36} \). Looking at the options provided, \( 1/12 \) is not the correct answer, as \( \mathbf{6}^{-2} \) simplifies to \( \frac{1}{36} \) and not \( -12 \) either. Hence, the answer is: \( \frac{1}{36} \).