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why is -5 squared -25

 Apr 1, 2015

Best Answer 

 #1
avatar+128053 
+5

Be careful here......this is a common mistake to assume that -5^2 = 25......!!!!

-5^2  = -1(5)(5) = -25      the exponent only applies to the 5, NOT  to the "understood" -1 preceding 5

However......

(-5)^2 =  (-5) (-5)  = (-1 * 5) (-1* 5)  = (-1 * -1) (5 * 5)  =  (1) (25)  = 25

 See the difference???

  

 Apr 1, 2015
 #1
avatar+128053 
+5
Best Answer

Be careful here......this is a common mistake to assume that -5^2 = 25......!!!!

-5^2  = -1(5)(5) = -25      the exponent only applies to the 5, NOT  to the "understood" -1 preceding 5

However......

(-5)^2 =  (-5) (-5)  = (-1 * 5) (-1* 5)  = (-1 * -1) (5 * 5)  =  (1) (25)  = 25

 See the difference???

  

CPhill Apr 1, 2015

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