Simplifying exponents

Question

Hi, I dont understand why this answer is negative . 

 

a) 3*(1)² * (-x²)¹ = -3x² 

 

The exponent on the x is even so shouldnt it turn it into a positive? Im so confused

Answer 1

For the second factor, you apply the power raised to a power rule.

 

(-x²)¹ = -x^{(2 * 1)} = -x²

 

 

But also, you should know that any value raised to the power of one is itself.

Answer 2

Alex, this is confusing, but -x² isn't squaring -x. It's squaring x and making it negative. (-x)² would be positive.