Evaluate (-4)^4

Problem

(−4)4

Solution

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

2. Expand the power by writing the base as a factor the number of times indicated by the exponent.

(−4)×(−4)×(−4)×(−4)

3. Multiply the first two factors. Since a negative times a negative is a positive, (−4)×(−4)=16

16×(−4)×(−4)

4. Multiply the result by the third factor. A positive times a negative is a negative, so 16×(−4)=−64

−64×(−4)

5. Multiply by the final factor. A negative times a negative is a positive, so −64×(−4)=256

Final Answer

(−4)4=256

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