Exponents
Subject:
Algebra [1]
Since an exponent on a number indicates multiplication by that same number, an exponent on a negative number is simply the negative number multiplied by itself a certain number of times:
(- 4)3 = - 4× -4× - 4 = - 64
(- 4)3 = - 64 is negative because there are 3 negative signs--see Multiplying Negatives.
(- 5)2 = - 5× - 5 = 25
(- 5)2 = 25 is positive because there are 2 negative signs.