Okay, so can someone explain to me why
(-4^2) is different than:
-4^2 and
Aren't they both -4 x -4
Thanks alot.
2007-03-08 15:21:38 · 6 answers · asked by Arnold 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
exponents are evaluated before multiplication. in this example, you have the equivalent of -1 * 4^2, which is -16, versus (-4)^2, which is 16
2007-03-08 15:25:17 · answer #1 · answered by metalluka 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your placement of parentheses in this case does not alter the process: the exponent of 2 applies to the number directly preceding, being 4. The negative sign is applied after the caculation.
Why? Look at it this way: 1-4^2. The answer is -15 because we square 4 and subtract it from 1. If we squared -4 we would get 1 and 16, with no operation between.
Now, if you have (-4)^2, you are looking to square the number -4.
2007-03-08 23:30:48 · answer #2 · answered by Dan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
(-4²) = 16
-(4²) = -16
<<>>
2007-03-09 00:12:47 · answer #3 · answered by aeiou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the parethneses carry over the negative value along with the four throughout the entire equation.
The negative without the parentheses is simply there and carries over only once as opposed to being carried over 4 times with the parentheses.
2007-03-08 23:27:28 · answer #4 · answered by ineedanswers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, you're right. They are both the same. But -(4^2) would be different.
Good luck!
2007-03-08 23:24:33 · answer #5 · answered by yanksfan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No
(-4)^2 = (-4)(-4)= 16
But, -4^2= -(4^2) = -(4*4) = -16
2007-03-08 23:25:20 · answer #6 · answered by Shrey G 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋