Quote:
Originally Posted by A264172
However, some will argue that
it should, because -9 represents a single number, not an operation on
a number. Thus, some will interpret -9^2 as (-9)^2, while others will
read it as -(9^2)."
This seems a question begging for resolution, perhaps if we could establish some rules for math we could move on and focus our efforts on world peace.
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That's the fundamental issue. Is the negative sign in front of the digit an operation and, if so, the interpretation is -(9^2). Parentheses are not required. -9^2 is the same thing.
But, if it's simply a negative number, the interpretation is (-9)^2.
Two different results. But, I do see the possibility of getting the positive result.