Evaluate (-3)^4

Problem

(−3)4

Solution

1. Identify the base and the exponent in the expression. The base is −3 and the exponent is 4

2. Expand the expression by multiplying the base by itself the number of times indicated by the exponent.

(−3)⋅(−3)⋅(−3)⋅(−3)

3. Multiply the first two factors. Since a negative times a negative is a positive, (−3)⋅(−3)=9

9⋅(−3)⋅(−3)

4. Multiply the result by the third factor. A positive times a negative is a negative, so 9⋅(−3)=−27

−27⋅(−3)

5. Multiply by the final factor. A negative times a negative is a positive, so −27⋅(−3)=81

Final Answer

(−3)4=81

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