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What is the difference between -2^2 and (-2)^2?
I tried this on a calculator and -2^2= -4 but (-2)^2= 4, why is that, what is the difference?
Thanks
3 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade ago
In the first problem, (-2^2) only the 2 is squared and then multiplied by the negative 1 (-).
The second one, since both the negative sign and 2 is in the parenthesis, you would square the -2, making it a four...
My explanation may have been a bit confusing, but I hope you understand...
- 1 decade ago
-2 means you are only squaring the 2!!! but then for (-2) meaning you are squaring the negative sign as well!! because the - is included in the parenthesis so it needs to be squared just like the 2!!
- Anonymous1 decade ago
-2^2 is like multiplying -2X2= -4
You only multiply the number, not the sign -(2^2) = -(4) = -4
(-2)^2 is like multiplying (-2)X(-2)= 4
this one is positive because two negatives equal a positive.
