Exponents Math Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
Simplify (−2)4(-2)^4.

Solution

  1. 1
    Write out the repeated multiplication: (−2)×(−2)×(−2)×(−2)(-2) \times (-2) \times (-2) \times (-2).
  2. 2
    Multiply in pairs: (−2)×(−2)=4(-2) \times (-2) = 4 and (−2)×(−2)=4(-2) \times (-2) = 4.
  3. 3
    Multiply the results: 4×4=164 \times 4 = 16.

Answer

1616
When a negative base is raised to an even exponent, the result is positive because negative signs cancel in pairs.

About Exponents

An operation representing repeated multiplication: ana^n means aa multiplied by itself nn times. For example, 23=2×2×2=82^3 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8. Exponents extend to zero, negative, and fractional powers.

Learn more about Exponents →

More Exponents Examples

Example 1 easy

Compute [formula].

Example 3 easy

Compute [formula].

Example 4 medium

Which is larger, [formula] or [formula]? Compute both to compare.

Example 5 medium

Simplify [formula].

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