Question

Could someone explain why (-4)² is equal to 16 but -4² is equal to -16​

Answer 1

4^2= 16

Explanation:

This is because when you square something your are multiplying that number by itself. So in this case you must multiply 4 x 4 which is sixteen. Another example of this is 3^2 which is 9. In this case you must multiply 3 x 3 which is nine.

Answer 2

It's all about the brackets.

Explanation:

If we do (-4)^2, the brackets make it -4 x -4 and the two negatives make a positive of 16.

If we do -4^2, that means that the 4 is squared before putting the minus sign there so you have 4x4 = 16 then put the minus to get -16.

Hope this helps!

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