Question

(-6)^2 =36 and -6^2 =-36. Determine the order necessary to enter these expressions on your calculator to achieve theses answers.

Answer 1

The important thing is to include the parenthesis, which determines if -6 or 6 is squared.

Explanation:

Any number squared gives a positive result. In the case of:

(-6)^2 = 36

-6 is squared, therefore the result, 36, is positive. In the case of:

-6^2 = -36

6 is squared, its result, 36, is positive, but then is multiplied by -1, to get -36.