eolas/neuron/feff9a94-f7b2-4f7c-88d4-f1e6d70cf754/Negative_exponents.md

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2024-11-17 15:37:31 +00:00
---
tags: [algebra, exponents]
---
# Negative exponents
When calculating the exponents of a negative number the answer will always will
be positive:
$$
-5^2 = 25
$$
This confused me but it was because I was thinking of it in terms of
$-5 \cdot 5$ when in fact it is $-5 \cdot -5$ and when two negative numbers are
multiplied the product is always negative.