so i entered -2+1^{2} into the calucator and the solution is -1, which led me to get an equation I was solving wrong.
Then i plugged in the parentheses, (-2+1)^{2} and the solution becomes a positive 1. Why is that?
Are you familiar with the order guidelines used complete calculations of equations called PEDMAS ?
parentheses first
exponents next
division/multiplication next
addition/subtraction next
using these rules
-2 + 1^2 do the exponent firist -2 +1 now do the addition = -1
(-2+1)^2 do the parentheses first -1 ^2 now do the exponent = 1