Evaluate -25^(1/2)

Problem

−25(1/2)

Solution

1. Identify the order of operations. According to the rules of exponents, the exponent applies only to the base directly to its left, which is 25 not −25

2. Interpret the fractional exponent. An exponent of 1/2 is equivalent to taking the square root of the base.

3. Evaluate the power. Calculate the square root of 25

25(1/2)=√(,25)

25(1/2)=5

4. Apply the negative sign. Multiply the result by −1 as indicated by the leading negative sign in the original expression.

−(25(1/2))=−5

Final Answer

−25(1/2)=−5

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