Evaluate -2^4

Problem

−2

Solution

1. Identify the order of operations. According to the rules of exponents, the exponent applies only to the base directly to its left.

2. Determine the base. In the expression −2 the base is 2 not −2 The negative sign acts as a multiplication by −1

3. Calculate the power. Evaluate 2 raised to the power of 4

2=2⋅2⋅2⋅2

2=16

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

−(16)=−16

Final Answer

−2=−16

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