This always pisses me off. what is -X^n?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Curd
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The expression -X^n is definitively interpreted as -(X^n) due to the precedence of operations in mathematics. According to the established order of operations, exponents are evaluated before multiplication and subtraction. Therefore, the negative sign in front of X^n indicates multiplication by -1 after the exponentiation has been performed. This clarification aligns with the mnemonic "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally," which outlines the order of operations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mathematical operations and their precedence
  • Familiarity with exponentiation concepts
  • Knowledge of basic algebraic expressions
  • Ability to interpret mathematical notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the order of operations in mathematics
  • Study the properties of exponents and their applications
  • Explore algebraic expressions and their simplification techniques
  • Learn about common mathematical misconceptions and clarifications
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone seeking to clarify mathematical expressions and enhance their understanding of algebraic operations.

Curd
Messages
78
Reaction score
1
i see things along the lines of -X^n quite frequently.

is this meant to represent (-X)^n or -(X^n)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Curd said:
i see things along the lines of -X^n quite frequently.

is this meant to represent (-X)^n or -(X^n)
The second - -(X^n)
 
Precedence of Operations: "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally"
First do what every is in parentheses, then exponents, then multiplication, then division, then addition, then subtraction. (Of course, you can interchange multiplication and division and interchange additon and subtraction.)

The negative in -x^n represents multiplication by -1. Since exponents take precedenct that is -(x^n) as Mark44 said.
 

Similar threads

Express ##x^3+y^3## in terms of ##m## and ##n##
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Find the sum of the coefficients in the expansion ##(1+x)^n##
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Query about how the domain of a binomial coefficient was calculated
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Is ceil(n/k) equal to floor((n-1)/k) + 1 for positive integer values of n and k?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Proof of (x^n - 1) / (x - 1) = x^n-1 + x^n-2 + .... + x + 1
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Undergrad Find ##\int_0^π \sin^ n x dx ##
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Help with algebraic deduction steps in a proof by induction
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Is (y + z)x1 = (y1 + z1)x the equation of a straight line in 3D space?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Induction: x+1/x is an int. Prove that x^n+1/x^n is an int...
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
9K
Prove the identity matrix is unique
  • · Replies 69 ·
3
Replies
69
Views
10K