High School Why Do Negative Numbers Squared Sometimes Show as Negative on Calculators?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that when squaring negative numbers on calculators, the input format significantly affects the output. Specifically, entering -1^2 results in -1 because the calculator interprets it as -(1^2). In contrast, inputting (-1)^2 correctly yields 1, as it indicates the entire negative number is squared. This distinction is crucial for accurate calculations involving negative numbers.

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Why do negative numbers which are squared by a even number always return as a negative while using a calculator? e.g. (-1)^2 = 1, except calculators say -1, even though -1*-1 = 1 :S:S
 
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Well, if you type it in like this: -1^2 then the calculator interprets it as -(1^2)=-1. try inputting (-1)^2.
 
Oh okay, thanks.
 

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