Question

If a numser has an even exponent can it ever be negative when it is simplified?
Explain.​

Answer 1

Note the pattern: A negative number taken to an even power gives a positive result (because the pairs of negatives cancel), and a negative number taken to an odd power gives a negative result (because, after cancelling, there will be one minus sign left over).

Answer 2

Answer: No, it can never be negative.

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Step-by-step explanation:

Consider the expression x^2

If x were some negative number, say x = -3, then

x^2 = (-3)^2 = 9 which is a positive result.

Picking any negative number for x will make x^2 positive.

We can think of it like this

(-3)^2 = (-3)*(-3) = 9

The two negatives multiply to a positive.

This also happens with exponents 4,6,8, etc. Any even exponent will have an even number of negative signs, all of which cancel out.