The square of a negative number...

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1

<p>When I use the square button on my claculator and enter -2 squared it says -4, but when I use the exponent button and enter -2 to the second power it says 4.</p>

<p>Shouldn’t they both yield the same answer?</p>

2

<p>The calculator interprets -2 squared as - (2 squared). So you have to type it like this: (-2) squared</p>

3

<p>Now I understand. Thank you.</p>