Evaluate -3^2

Problem

−32 negative 3 squared

Solution

  1. Identify the order of operations. According to the rules of exponents, the power applies only to the base directly preceding it.

  2. Apply the exponent to the base 3 3 In the expression −32 negative 3 squared the base is 3 3 not −3 negative 3

  3. Calculate the square of the base.

32=9 3 squared equals 9

  1. Apply the negative sign to the result of the exponentiation.

−(9)=−9 negative 9 equals negative 9

Final Answer

−32=−9 negative 3 squared equals negative 9

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