Simplify (-x)^2

Problem

(−x)2

Solution

1. Identify the expression as a base raised to a power, where the base is −x and the exponent is 2

2. Apply the definition of an exponent, which states that squaring a value means multiplying it by itself.

(−x)2=(−x)⋅(−x)

3. Apply the sign rule for multiplication, noting that a negative number multiplied by a negative number results in a positive number.

(−1⋅x)⋅(−1⋅x)=(−1⋅−1)⋅(x⋅x)

4. Simplify the resulting terms to find the final expression.

1⋅x2=x2

Final Answer

(−x)2=x2

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