231k views
1 vote
If -4 * -4 = 16, but -4^2 = -16, how is that possible?

User Jjharrison
by
4.8k points

2 Answers

5 votes

Answer:

determine if true . and this is false

Explanation:

User Mantrid
by
4.8k points
7 votes

Answer:

This is not possible

Explanation:

The only way you get this is if you plug it into the calculator without placing parenthesis around -4

For example:

-4^2 = -16 while (-4)^2= 16

When doing math it is common knowledge that when two negative numbers are multiplied together the negative sign will cancel out and turn into a positive product.

----

Also -4*-4 is the same as -4^2 just written differently

User Panama Jack
by
5.9k points