Why does - 2 to the second power equal - 4 but (-2) to the second power equals 4?

Question

Mathematics

London Mckenzie

26 February, 08:19

Why does - 2 to the second power equal - 4 but (-2) to the second power equals 4?

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Answers (2)

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Angelique Duke · Answer 1

In - 2^2 since the negative sign is not in parentheses you would solve it as 2*2=4 and then have the negative sign so it would be - 4. With the parentheses you are saying that the term you are squaring is (-2) and two negatives make a positive so it would be (-2) * (-2) = 4.

Manning · Answer 2

Manning 26 February, 10:25

0

Your final answer would be 4