exponents and powers questions

Question

please explain the difference between -2^2 and (-2)^2

Answer 1

-2² = -(2·2) = -4

(-2)² = (-2)·(-2) = 4

The exponent operates only on the number to its immediate left unless there are parentheses; then it operates on the number(s) within the parentheses. So in -2² we are NOT squaring -2, we are squaring 2 then taking the negative of the square. In (-2)² we are squaring -2.