Understanding Order of Operations in Algebra

[Philoctetes]

Homework Statement

This is just a question about order of operations. I recently started working through Morris Kline's "Calculus: An Intuitive and Physical Approach", but unfortunately my algebra's a bit rusty and the book doesn't list answers. I searched around via Google but I couldn't find any answers to this particular question.

Homework Equations

f(x) = -x^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm not sure how to deal with the negative sign here or in similar equations. If I'm solving for x = some number, let's say 2 [i.e. f(2)], do I apply the exponent and then apply the negative sign (so the answer would be -4)? I remember something from school about how you can treat the minus sign as a -1 multiplied by whichever relevant quantities in some situations. In this case, I might rewrite the equation as f(2) = -1(2^2). Or, should I just treat the base as negative in this sort of situation, so the answer would be 4 (-2*-2)?

In the same way, if I'm entering f(-2), would it be -4 [-1(-2*-2)], or would it be 4 (negatives cancel each other out)?

Thanks, sorry if this question seems a bit trivial.

 

[rock.freak667]

f(x)= -1*(x^2)

do what is in the brackets first, in this case for x=2, get 2² then multiply by -1.

 

[berkeman]

f(x)= -1*(x^2)

do what is in the brackets first, in this case for x=2, get 2² then multiply by -1.

I wasn't sure about this one (whether a unary prefix operator is lower in precedence than multiplication), but you appear to be correct. At least wikipedia.org says so too:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_operations

.

 

[Philoctetes]

So you are you saying that is is correct to rewrite f(x) = -x^2 as f(x) = -1*(x^2)? I just want to make sure you didn't misunderstand my post. I remember the basic order of operations, at least as far as the acronym goes - PEMDAS. I know how to solve f(x) = -1*(x^2).

 

[qntty]

yes, -x^2 = -1*(x^2)

 

[Philoctetes]

Okay, thanks all.