Math: complex numbers: -i^2 vs (-i)^2 – Oracle Tutoring, Campbell River, BC

Tutoring math, negative signs with or without brackets can require careful observation. The tutor mentions such a case.

The following is by my understanding.

I mention in my post from Jul 23, 2026 that, in the context of complex numbers, -i^2=1.

-i^2=1 because i^2=-1 (by definition), so by BEDMAS,

-i^2=-(-1)=1.

Due to BEDMAS, the exponent is handled before the outside negative. Afterwards, one gets the product of two negative signs, which is positive.

(-i)^2, on the other hand, is (-i)(-i)=i^2=-1.

Source:

Travers,K.J., Dalton,L.C., Brunner,V.F., Taylor,A.R. (1977). Using Advanced Algebra. Doubleday Canada Limitied.