Answer
$\dfrac{7}{12}$
Work Step by Step
Using the laws of exponents, the given expression, $
2^{-2}+3^{-1}
,$ simplifies to
\begin{array}{l}\require{cancel}
\dfrac{1}{2^2}+\dfrac{1}{3^1}
\\\\=
\dfrac{1}{4}+\dfrac{1}{3}
\\\\=
\dfrac{3}{12}+\dfrac{4}{12}
\\\\=
\dfrac{7}{12}
.\end{array}
