Question

How do you evaluate `2x^4` when x = -1?

Answer 1

If `x=-1` then:

`2x^4 = 2 * ((-1)^4)`

`= 2 * (-1) * (-1) * (-1) * (-1) = 2`

Explanation:

Exponentiation has higher precedence than multiplication, so first raise `-1` to the fourth power, then multiply by `2`.