Re: TIB: A stupid question


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Re: TIB: A stupid question





The calculator evaluates -3^2 as -(3^2), which is -9. You must type (-3)^2.


On Tue, May 18, 1999 at 04:48:56PM -0400, Lizard3796@aol.com wrote:
> 
> This is not so much a programming question as it is a math-logic question 
> that happens to involve my calculator.  Please bear with me, it'll just take 
> a minute:
> Unless I am wrong, the square of a negative number is positive, because it's 
> a negative number times itself.  My calculator begs to differ.  When I input 
> -3 x -3 it gives me what I'm pretty sure is the proper answer: +9.  (and I 
> know that the '+' isn't neccessary there, but I'm trying to illustrate a 
> point).  However, when I input -3^2 (that's to be read as "negative three 
> squared" -- can't do superscripts on my email program), it gives me -9.  Is 
> there something I'm just not getting here?  Please, my math level is about 
> remedial, so I feel pretty stupid anyway..but, thanks to anyone who cares.
> ~Alysha
> 


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