document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=30468>Question 30468</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> First, I'm told that -X can be read as -1*X where the 1 is not written because it is \"understood\" and when X=9, -x= -1* +9 or -9.  It would also follow that if X=-9 then -X=-1*-9 or +9.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "I'm also told that a negetive number times a negetive number yeilds a positive answer.  I know that 6^2=36 so it makes sense that <BR>\n" );
document.write( "-6^2 would mean -6*-6 or +36.  <BR>\n" );
document.write( "My problem is that when I enter -6^2 into my graphing calculator, I get -36.  When I enter it into my scientific calculator I get +36.  A teacher explained that I should read -6 like I read -X, as -1*+6^2= -36.  Another teacher explained that -6^2 means (-6)*(-6)and that the answer is infact +36.  Which teacher and which calculator is right? </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #17112 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=sdmmadam@yahoo.com><B>sdmmadam@yahoo.com(530)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-10.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=sdmmadam@yahoo.com><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/nopicture.jpg><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=17112\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Your understanding of the concept of multiplication <BR>\n" );
document.write( "between real numbers is correct.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Two quantities of the same sign when multiplied give positive sign and<BR>\n" );
document.write( "two quantities of opposite signs when multiplied give negative sign  \r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Since (+6)*(+6) and which we usually express as 6*6 = 36 <BR>\n" );
document.write( "and also (-6)*(-6) = 36<BR>\n" );
document.write( "when we find the square root of 36 we say +6 or -6\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Normally if you write -6^2 it means (-1)multiplied by (6*6) = (-1)*(36) =-36<BR>\n" );
document.write( "And (-6)*(-6) means (-6)whole squared <BR>\n" );
document.write( "which we express as (-6)^2 = (-6)*(-6) = 36\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "All math teachers would convey the same thing to you.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Different calculators have different modes of commands. <BR>\n" );
document.write( "You will have to please follow the manual and carry out the commands.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Your graphing calculator has understood your command -6^2 as -(6^2) = -36<BR>\n" );
document.write( "If you wish it to give you +36 you must give a suitable command <BR>\n" );
document.write( "that actually means (-6)^2<BR>\n" );
document.write( "I hope I have made myself understood.<BR>\n" );
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