\nFor situations where superscripts aren’t available, exponents are sometimes indicated with a ^ sign. Therefore, 3^4 = 3*3*3*3 = 81.\n<\/p>\n
\nToday’s post isn’t about that specifically, but it’s a notation one might see.<\/p>\n
Today’s post, rather, is about the idea that -3^2 = -9, but (-3)^2 = 9.<\/p>\n
The reason is the order of operations (BEDMAS): in the expression -32<\/sup>, the exponent is evaluated first, while the subtraction is done afterwards. Since there are no brackets, the exponent is only on the 3, not the -. The expression can be imagined as (-1)x32<\/sup>.<\/p>\n \nWith (-3)2<\/sup>, the exponent is on both the negative and the 3, so we have (-3)(-3) = 9.<\/p>\n \nIn my experience, some calculators auto-bracket, so when one tries to enter, for instance, -52<\/sup>, the calculator automatically changes it to (-5)2<\/sup>, then gives the answer 25. It’s good to watch the calculator’s screen and be aware of what it’s doing.<\/p>\nJack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane,<\/a> Campbell River, BC.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tutoring math, details can be important. The tutor mentions negative signs in front of exponential expressions. For situations where superscripts aren’t available, exponents are sometimes indicated with a ^ sign. Therefore, 3^4 = 3*3*3*3 = 81. Today’s post isn’t about …<\/p>\n