Evaluate (-1/2)^2

Problem

(−1/2)2

Solution

1. Identify the base and the exponent. The base is −1/2 and the exponent is 2

2. Apply the definition of an exponent, which means multiplying the base by itself.

(−1/2)⋅(−1/2)

3. Multiply the signs. A negative number multiplied by a negative number results in a positive number.

(−)⋅(−)=(+)

4. Multiply the fractions by multiplying the numerators together and the denominators together.

(1⋅1)/(2⋅2)=1/4

Final Answer

(−1/2)2=1/4

Want more problems? Check here!