If a, b, c and d are four consecutive integers, and a^b = c^d

This question takes some playing around with numbers.
It also helps to recognize the following properties:

\(1^k = 1\) for all values of k

\((-1)^k = 1\) for all EVEN integer values of k

\(k^0 = 1\) for all non-zero values of k

If \(a = -1\), \(b = -2\), \(c=-3\) and \(d = 0\), then the equation \(a^b = c^d\) becomes \((-1)^{-2} = (-3)^0\)

Simplify to get: \(1= 1\)....PERFECT!

In this case, \(a+b+c+d=(-1)+(-2)+(-3)+0=-6\)

So, it's possible to get a sum of -6 (answer choice B).
HOWEVER, perhaps it's possible to get a sum of -8 (answer choice A)
Well, it turns out that we CAN'T get a sum of -8. Here's why:

We know that the 4 numbers are CONSECUTIVE INTEGERS.
So, if we let x = the smallest integer, then
x+1 = the next integer
x+2 = the next integer
And x+3 = the next integer

So, the sum of these 4 consecutive integers = x + (x+1) + (x+2) + (x+3)
= 4x + 6
= 4x + 4 + 2
= 4(x+1) + 2
Notice that 4(x+1) is a multiple of 4
So, 4(x+1) + 2 is 2 greater than some multiple of 4

Since the sum of the four integers must be 2 greater than some multiple of 4, we
can eliminate answer choice A, since -8 is a multiple of 4

Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent