SOLUTION: Why is -2 to the second power negative 4?

Algebra ->  Exponents -> SOLUTION: Why is -2 to the second power negative 4?      Log On


   



Question 1002938: Why is -2 to the second power negative 4?
Found 2 solutions by Cromlix, vampally0330:
Answer by Cromlix(4381) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi there,
(-2)^2 - 4
4 - 4 = 0
Hope this helps :-)

Answer by vampally0330(3) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
So for you in an easy way, there are 4 formulas to remember:
(+)x(+)=(+); plus times plus is equal to plus
(+)x(-)=(-); plus times minus is equal to minus
(-)x(+)=(-); minus times plus is equal to minus
(-)x(-)=(+); minus times minus is equal to plus
so for example:
2 to the power of 2 is 4
Explanation:
(2)x(2)= 4
so -2 to the power of 2 is also 4 because
Explanation:
(-2)x(-2)=4
before the both two's there is a minus sign. so minus times minus is plus.
That is the reason the answer is positive.