Evaluate -2^5

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 and the negative sign is treated as a multiplication by −1

3. Calculate the power of the base.

2=2⋅2⋅2⋅2⋅2

2=32

4. Apply the negative sign to the result.

−(32)=−32

Final Answer

−2=−32

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