Understanding $-2^2$ and $(-2)^2$

Question

This question might seem a bit remedial to most of you guys, but this is my first math class after a decade out of school.

This post is regarding the following:

-2²

I’m having a hard time understanding why the base is negative and not the exponent. Plus, how does (-2)² differ from -2² ?

Any help is appreciated and thanks!

Usually $-2^2$ means $-(2^2)$ which is $-4$. On the other hand, $(-2)^2=(-2)\cdot(-2)=4$. — NeedForHelp, Feb 03 '17 at 05:59

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 03 '17 at 06:00

1

Well, $(-2)^2=(-2)\times(-2)=4$ whereas $-2^2=-(2^2)=-4$.

answered Feb 03 '17 at 06:00

A.G.

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 03 '17 at 06:01

0

You can see that both $-(2)^2 $ and $(-2)^2$ are different.

Also $2^{-2}=\dfrac {1}{2^2}$

answered Feb 03 '17 at 06:01

Fawad

2 Answers2