Question

What is the difference between (-2)^4 and -2^4?

Answer 1

`(-2)^4 = 16`
`-2^4 = -16`

Explanation:

A negative sign prior to a number is not included in the base of an exponent unless specified using parentheses.

`(-2)^4 = -2xx-2xx-2xx-2 = 16`

`-2^4 = -(2xx2xx2xx2) = -16`