Important Math Question

Question

Why is it when I do -3^2 it comes out as -9 on the calculator or wherever I do it, am I missing something, isn't it 9.

Answer 1

An exponent controls only the symbol upon which it "sits".

In -3² the 2 controls only the 3 not the - (negative)

-3² = -9

Grouping symbols are needed if you want the negative to be included.

(-3)² = 9

Answer 2

I agree with tutor Mark!

-3^2 without parenthesis can be thought of as -1 x 3 x 3 = -1 x 9 = -9

whereas (-3)^2 can be thought of as -3 x -3 = 9