Question

Simplify
-20 - (-5) (-2 squared)

I got 0 , my dad -40 who is right and why ????

Answer 1

this goes in the mathematics section if you need faster help btw

Answer 2

As written, -20 - (-5) (-2 squared) = -20 - (-5)*(-2²) = -20 - (-5)*(-4) =
-20 - [(-5)*(-4)] = -20 - [20] = -20 - 20 = -40.

The source of confusion is the difference between (-2)² and (-2²). The former equals 4 and the latter equals -4. Likewise, -2² = -4.