Is there any way that -2 to the 4th power can equal anything but positive 16? My math teacher marked my answer wrong on a test.. She said the answer was -16. How is this possible? There were no parentheses. This is not a high level math class.
2006-10-20 02:29:01 · 10 answers · asked by Chris R 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
-2⁴without the parenthesis equals - 16. - 2⁴ = -1 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = -16 The power is directly proportional to The Two.
(- 2)⁴ with the parentheesis equals 16. ( -2)⁴= ( - 2)(- 2)(- 2)(- 2) = 16. Once the two is raised to the fourth power ( 16), remove the parenthesis and the number becomes 16
- - - - - - - - - - -s
Method 2 for (- 2)⁴
(- 2)(- 2)(- 2)(- 2)=
4 (- 2)(- 2)=
-8 ( - 2)=
16
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Click on the below URL for additional information concerning Exponents
library.thinkquest.org/20991/alg/powers.html
2006-10-20 03:35:33 · answer #1 · answered by SAMUEL D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since there are no brackets, the 4th power is only acting on the 2, not on the negative.
Therefore, -2^4 = -16
Although, if it wasn't a high-level class, I think the teacher might be persuaded to change your mark.
2006-10-20 03:11:12 · answer #2 · answered by Leah H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
-2 to the 4th is -2 x -2 x-2 x-2 if you do on a calc it is 16 not -16
-2 x-2 = 4 x -2 = -8 x -2 = 16 2 neg mak pos
2006-10-20 02:41:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends how the question was presented -(2)^4 or (-2)^4 or -2^4. The answer your teacher can be correct.
2006-10-20 02:47:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it all depends on how it was worded or shown
If (-2) to the 4th power you are correct
if -(2 to the 4th power) your teacher is correct
2006-10-20 19:13:07 · answer #5 · answered by grandpa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps the problem was -2^4? This is -(2^4), not (-2)^4.
If this is not the problem then I can't imagine what it could be.
2006-10-20 02:34:38 · answer #6 · answered by sofarsogood 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your teacher is wrong.
An even power will ALWAYS result in a positive answer.
2006-10-20 02:32:40 · answer #7 · answered by Stuart T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
-(2)^4= -16
but if there is no paranthesis anywhere, the result is 16.
Your teacher's decision is wrong.
2006-10-20 02:37:47 · answer #8 · answered by Minder Bob 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did u take imaginary numbers?
if u do not....., your teacher may think himself a philosopher.....or she want to be a smart after a long age of being a stupid..
2006-10-20 02:35:55 · answer #9 · answered by mozakkera 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your teacher is wack man
2006-10-20 02:31:49 · answer #10 · answered by mrbait33 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋