if its (-x^2), does that mean x is squared first and then, has the negative sign attached? If x was 2, would it be 2 squared and then negative, making it -4?

Question

zepdrix · Answer

Ah great question! :)

zepdrix · Answer

It's all about the placement of the square,$$\large\rm (-2)^2=(-2)\cdot(-2)=4$$In this next example notice that the brackets don't really mean anything because there is nothing being applied on the outside,$$\large\rm (-2^2)=-(2^2)=-(2\cdot2)=-4$$

zepdrix · Answer

So if you ever see something like this $\large\rm -x^2$ (squaring first, negative outside)
know that it's `not the same as` $\large\rm (-x)^2$ (squaring the negative away)

bgrg007 · Answer

I see. So (-x^2) is really just -x^2.

zepdrix · Answer

Yes, no need for brackets on that one :)

bgrg007 · Answer

ty, professor

zepdrix · Answer

lol np