Understanding Exponents and Multiplication with Negative Numbers
This article will explore the calculation of (-7)³ x (-7)². We'll break down the process step-by-step, explaining the concepts of exponents and how they interact with negative numbers.
Exponents Explained
An exponent indicates how many times a base number is multiplied by itself. For example, in (-7)³, the base is -7 and the exponent is 3. This means we multiply -7 by itself three times:
(-7)³ = (-7) x (-7) x (-7)
Multiplication with Negative Numbers
When multiplying two negative numbers, the result is positive.
For example: (-7) x (-7) = 49
Solving (-7)³ x (-7)²
Let's break down the calculation:
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Calculate (-7)³: (-7)³ = (-7) x (-7) x (-7) = 343
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Calculate (-7)²: (-7)² = (-7) x (-7) = 49
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Multiply the results: 343 x 49 = 16,807
Therefore, (-7)³ x (-7)² = 16,807
Key Points to Remember:
- Exponents: Indicate repeated multiplication of a base number.
- Negative Numbers: Multiplying two negatives results in a positive.
- Order of Operations: Calculate exponents before multiplication.
By following these steps, you can confidently calculate expressions involving exponents and negative numbers.