If two positives equals a negative..than why is
-4^2 = -16 NOT +16?
Please answer thx!

Question

If two positives equals a negative..than why is
 -4^2 = -16 NOT +16?
Please answer thx!

anonymous · Answer

The reason is because of the order of operations.
You do the exponent first, and the subtraction second.

anonymous · Answer

So we have $-(4)(4)$ instead of $(-4)(-4)$

campbell_st · Answer

well its simply -4 x -4  which is 2 negatives

and if you are using a calculator 

then enter it as 

(-4)^2

zepdrix · Answer

$$-4^2=-(4^2)\neq (-4)^2$$

anonymous · Answer

cant use a calculator :\

so its -(4x4) = -(16) = 16

anonymous · Answer

-4^2 implies -1 x 4^2
                      = -1 x 4 x 4 = -16
But (-4)^ 2 = -4 x -4 = 16

zepdrix · Answer

amy why did your -16 magically turn into 16? :o

campbell_st · Answer

it depends on the context

if its simply evaluate -4^2   then its 16

if its 

3^2 - 4^2 = -7

anonymous · Answer

sorry meant -16! :)

campbell_st · Answer

you have to look at the question and decide if the sign is a subtraction operation of a negative

zepdrix · Answer

it doesn't actually matter camp, eve if its an operation, it will be written very clearly if you're suppose to square the negative.
like this: $$(-4)^2$$
:D

anonymous · Answer

Remember that $$-4^2  \neq (-4)^2$$

anonymous · Answer

well it simply says evaluate:: -4^2 my answer was 16 and i was wrong

anonymous · Answer

> two positives equals a negative.

anonymous · Answer

THanks guys!