The value of $(-1)^{3}+(-1)^{2}+(-1)$ is
(A) 2
(B) 1
(C) -3
(D) -1
(E) -2
Since -1 raised to an even exponent equals 1 and -1 raised to an odd exponent equals -1 , then $(-1)^{3}+(-1)^{2}+(-1)=-1+1-1=-1$.

Alternatively, we write

$$
(-1)^{3}+(-1)^{2}+(-1)=(-1)(-1)(-1)+(-1)(-1)+(-1)=1(-1)+1-1=-1+1-1=-1
$$

ANSWER: (D)