Negative Numbers Math Example 2

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Example 2

medium
Evaluate (−3)2−(−2)3(-3)^2 - (-2)^3.

Solution

  1. 1
    Compute (−3)2=(−3)(−3)=9(-3)^2 = (-3)(-3) = 9 (even exponent gives positive).
  2. 2
    Compute (−2)3=(−2)(−2)(−2)=−8(-2)^3 = (-2)(-2)(-2) = -8 (odd exponent gives negative).
  3. 3
    Substitute: 9−(−8)=9+8=179 - (-8) = 9 + 8 = 17.

Answer

1717
Even powers of negatives are positive; odd powers are negative. When subtracting a negative, convert to addition. These rules are critical for evaluating expressions with negative bases.

About Negative Numbers

Negative numbers are numbers less than zero, used to represent direction, deficit, or values below a reference point.

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