Simplify the expression.
(–3)^4
I know the answer is 81. I need help explaining how i got the correct answer or showing all steps on how i got my answer.
When you put a negative number in parenthesis, it gets taken into account with the number being multiplied to a power.
Any negative number in parenthesis with an odd power gives you a negative answer.
Any negative number in parenthesis with an even power gives you a positive answer.
(-3)^3 = -3*-3*-3 = -27
(-3)^4 = -3*-3*-3*-3 = 81
Any negative number with no parenthesis, regardless of the power, gives you a negative answer. It is the same as writing: -(x)^y
-3^3 = -(3*3*3) = -27
-3^4 = -(3*3*3*3) = -81
It is confusing, but as long as you remember this, then it will be easy
How DID you get your answer?
Thank you @Pat
To simplify the expression (-3)^4, you need to raise -3 to the power of 4 or multiply -3 by itself four times. Here's how you can get to the correct answer step by step:
1) Start with the base, which is -3.
2) Multiply the base by itself: (-3) * (-3) = 9
3) Multiply the result from step 2 by the base again: 9 * (-3) = -27
4) Multiply the result from step 3 by the base again: -27 * (-3) = 81
So, (-3)^4 simplifies to 81.
Another way to explain the process is to use the rule, "when you raise a negative number to an even power, the result is positive." In this case, we are raising -3 to the power of 4, which is an even number. Therefore, the result will be positive.
Alternatively, you can also use parentheses to show the calculations:
(-3)^4 = (-3) * (-3) * (-3) * (-3) = 9 * 9 = 81
I hope this explanation helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.