evaluate -a^n when a=3 and n=2,3,4 and 5. Now evaluate (-a)^n when a=3 and n=2,3,4 and 5. Based on this sample, does it appear that -a^n=(-a)^n? If not, state the relationships, if any, between -a^n and (-a)^n.

Question

evaluate -a^n when a=3 and n=2,3,4 and 5. Now evaluate (-a)^n when a=3 and n=2,3,4 and 5. Based on this sample, does it appear that -a^n=(-a)^n? If not, state the relationships, if any, between -a^n and (-a)^n.
THANK YOU!!

PsyDAG · Answer

-(a)^n will always be negative. (-a)^n will be positive for the even powers.