Question

does -a^2= (-a)^2 for any values of a ? explain

Answer 1

try \(a=0\)

Answer 2

This sign '-' is technically a number itself. For explain, -a² = (-1)(a)² = -a² and (-a)² = ((-1)(a))² = (-1)²(a)² = a². Does this help?

Answer 3

its kinda confusing

Answer 4

What don't you understand?

Answer 5

i dont know what your trying to say

Answer 6

'-' is like a number (negative one)

-a² is equal to (-1)a²; notice that only a is squared.

Now, look at this expression: (-a)²
It is equal to ((-1)(a))²

Notice that both variable a and negative one is squared so it is equal to a². Is this clear?

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

Glad you understand.

Now we know that -a² = a².
Do you know how to find the value of a?

Answer 9

not really cause couldnt it be any number

Answer 10

Well, yeah, a could be any number, what we want is to find a value of variable a such that -a² = a² is true. Do you know what I mean?

Answer 11

ya so could you just do o

Answer 12

Do you know how to graph -x² and x²?

Answer 13

no .... i am sorry i am so dum

Answer 14

it is getting late so can u just tell me the answere

Answer 15

Well, try and ask your teacher a questions about this problem tomorrow and hopefully she or he can help.

The answer is 0.

Answer 16

You're not dumb. You are just learning. :D

Answer 17

that is what i thought because it can be negative or positive ! thanks