WyzAnt.comWHAT IS NEGATIVE 4 TO THE POWER OF 4 EQUAL TO?
WHT IS NEGATIVE 4 EXPONENT 4
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2 Answers
In the case that you mean (-4)4, it can be written out as (-4)(-4)(-4)(-4). Since multiplying two negatives gives a positive, this is equal to 16*16 = 256. More generally, (-x)n for x positive and n even will always yield a positive answer.
If you mean to write -(44), the negative would stay out front:
-(4)(4)(4)(4) = -(16)(16) = -256
-44 is the same as (-4)*(-4)*(-4)*(-4) is the same as (16)*(16) = 256
unless you mean -(44), then in that case the answer would be -256
Comments
Luke, I think your notation is om error
-44 always means -1 * 44
You need to use parentheses if you want (-4)4
- Isaac C. 2/7/2013Isaac- Thanks for the clarification.
I think the moral of the story is that one should use parentheses to reduce the chance of confusion.
- Luke B. 2/8/2013