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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