# Thread: Parentheses In the World of Math

1. ## Parentheses In the World of Math

I know there is a difference between (-2)^4 and -2^4.

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

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

Can I apply this to variables as well?

Say we have (-x)^4. This becomes (-x)(-x)(-x)(-x) = x^4.

Yes?

Can I say that -x^4 = -(x)^4 = -x^4?

Yes?

2. ## Re: Parentheses In the World of Math

Originally Posted by harpazo
I know there is a difference between (-2)^4 and -2^4.

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

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

Can I apply this to variables as well?

Say we have (-x)^4. This becomes (-x)(-x)(-x)(-x) = x^4.

Yes? Yes! (-x)^5 though will be -x^5, basically because of the odd (5) number of "negatives"

Can I say that -x^4 = -(x)^4 = -x^4? Of course! Maybe you mean -(x^4), although the brackets are redundant.

Yes?
see red

3. ## Re: Parentheses In the World of Math

Originally Posted by Debsta
see red
Interesting.

4. ## Re: Parentheses In the World of Math

Originally Posted by harpazo
Interesting.
I am totally unimpressed with the 'red' reply.
What you need to understand is the fundamental idea of additive inverse.
I am not kidding you got to learn the concept of the additive inverse.
First the additive inverse is symbolized using the minus sign. $-G$ is the additive inverse of $G$. So $G+(-G)=0$.
So bear with me. $-G^2$ is the additive inverse of $G$ squared. But so is $-(G^2)$.
However, $(-G)^2=(-G)(-G)=G^2$ that is simply $G^2$. Do you see the difference, do you understand the difference?

If you do understand, then $(-3)^2=9\ne-(3)^2=-9$ is no mystery to you?
If you are not sure of the above, please, please say so. Tell us why. Help us clear away the confusion.

5. ## Re: Parentheses In the World of Math

Thank you everyone.

6. ## Re: Parentheses In the World of Math

Originally Posted by Plato
I am totally unimpressed with the 'red' reply.
Why's that?

7. ## Re: Parentheses In the World of Math

Let's move on. I did. Currently revisiting algebra 1 as I work my way to college algebra.

My Plan:

Review algebra 1
Review Algebra 2
Begin with College Algebra
Calculus 1
Calculus 2
Calculus 3
And so on....

8. ## Re: Parentheses In the World of Math

Originally Posted by harpazo
Let's move on. I did. Currently revisiting algebra 1 as I work my way to college algebra.

My Plan:

Review algebra 1
Review Algebra 2
Begin with College Algebra
Calculus 1
Calculus 2
Calculus 3
And so on....
Sound like a plan!

-Dan

9. ## Re: Parentheses In the World of Math

I started with algebra 1. Lots of memories.