Math
Squaring a Negative Number Without Parentheses
Reading minus three squared as positive nine, as if the negative were squared too.
Quick check
Why students make it
The negative sign looks like part of the number, so it seems like it should be squared along with it.
The rule done right
Without parentheses the exponent binds tighter than the negative sign, so means . Use when you want the negative squared.
Related resources
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Exponents & Scientific Notation Infographic -
Math: Integer Operations Infographic -
Math: Properties of Operations Infographic -
Math: The Real Number System Infographic -
Math: Square Roots and Cube Roots Infographic - Laws of Exponents & Radicals Cheat Sheet
- Order of Operations & PEMDAS Cheat Sheet
- Negative Number Operations Reference Cheat Sheet
- Order of operations (PEMDAS) Memory Aid Cheat Sheet
- Sign when multiplying or dividing integers Memory Aid Cheat Sheet
- Sign When Multiplying or Dividing Integers Practice Worksheet
- Multiplying and Dividing Integers Worksheet
- Integer Operations: Adding and Subtracting Negative Numbers Worksheet
- How to Subtract Integers: Keep Change Change Practice Worksheet
- Integers and Absolute Value Worksheet
- Exponent & Powers Explorer Tool
- Order of Operations (PEMDAS) Solver Tool
- Integer Number Line Tool
- Quadratic Equation Solver Tool
- Exponents & Radicals Lab Lab
- Integer Operations & Absolute Value Lab Lab
- Quadratic Functions & Parabolas Lab Lab
- Function Transformations Lab Lab