Look at this list of whole number powers of -2:
(-2)0 = 1
(-2)1 = -2
(-2)2 = 4
(-2)3 = -8
(-2)4 = 16
(-2)5 = -32
(-2)6 = 64
Notice how they alternate signs, positive and negative.
Even powers are positive and odd powers are negative.
could -2 be used as a base to rewrite 32?No, because 32 is not a whole number power of -2.
(The answer would be 'yes' for -32, but not for +32).
could -2 be used as a base to rewrite 64?Yes, because 64 is the 6th power of -2.
Edwin
