\[ -\frac{1}{2} a^{4} b^{\square} \] What exponent should Marina use for \( b \) ? \( -7 \) \( -1 \) 1 7

To determine the appropriate exponent for \( b \) in the expression \( -\frac{1}{2} a^{4} b^{\square} \), we need to analyze the context or any specific conditions that might be implied by the problem. However, since no additional context is provided, we can consider the options given. The expression contains \( a^4 \) and \( b^{\square} \). The exponent for \( b \) can be any of the options provided: \( -7 \), \( -1 \), \( 1 \), or \( 7 \). Without any specific conditions or relationships between \( a \) and \( b \), we can conclude that any of these exponents could be valid. However, if we are looking for a common or standard exponent that might be used in algebraic expressions, we often see \( 1 \) as a typical exponent for variables unless specified otherwise. Thus, the most reasonable choice for the exponent of \( b \) in the absence of further context would be: **1**