SOLUTION: Why is -4 to the 2nd power =-16, and not =16? isn't -4 to the 2nd -4x-4? I don't understand how it becomes -4x4=-16

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Question 1159271: Why is -4 to the 2nd power =-16, and not =16? isn't -4 to the 2nd -4x-4? I don't understand how it becomes -4x4=-16
Found 4 solutions by Alan3354, ikleyn, math_helper, MathTherapy:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Why is -4 to the 2nd power =-16, and not =16? isn't -4 to the 2nd -4x-4? I don't understand how it becomes -4x4=-16
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-4%5E2+=+-16
%28-4%29%5E2+=+16

Answer by ikleyn(52815) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

  2  *   2  =   4

  4  *   4  =  16

(-4) *   4  = -16

 4   * (-4) = -16

(-4) * (-4) =  16.

Do you still have questions ?


Answer by math_helper(2461) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Your understanding is correct.

-4 to the 2nd power is 16.

Answer by MathTherapy(10555) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Why is -4 to the 2nd power =-16, and not =16? isn't -4 to the 2nd -4x-4? I don't understand how it becomes -4x4=-16