What is (6(-8)) to the second exponent?

Question

Math exponents

Answer 1

PEMDAS - Parenthesis - Exponents - Multiplication - Division - Addition - Subtraction (not being used in this problem)

 

In this case the 6 is being multiplied by the -8   inside  the Parenthesis (Step 1)

 

Your exponent is on the outside of the main parenthesis - so square the answer in Step 1  (Step 2)

 

 (6(-8)) = (-48)² = -48*-48 = 2304

 

This problem could also have been written:

(6*-8)²  does this make more sense to you? Calculate the work inside the parenthesis first,

                                                                                                  then square the answer.

(-48)²

-48*-48 = 2304  the answer is positive because a negative times a negative is a positive.

 

I hope this helps.