-2^2 and (-2)^2 What's the difference?

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I'm doing a math project, I need help!

Guest Oct 21, 2014

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Best Answer

In the first case, the exponent only applies to the "2"...NOT to the minus...so we have......

-2^2 = -(2x2) = -4

In the second case, the exponent applies to the whole thing...thus....(-2)x(-2) = 4

CPhill Oct 21, 2014

CPhill · Answer 1 · 2014-10-21T03:30:50

In the first case, the exponent only applies to the "2"...NOT to the minus...so we have......

-2^2 = -(2x2) = -4

In the second case, the exponent applies to the whole thing...thus....(-2)x(-2) = 4