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

[Sirsh]

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

 

[Char. Limit]

Well, if you type it in like this: -1^2 then the calculator interprets it as -(1^2)=-1. try inputting (-1)^2.

 

[Sirsh]

Oh okay, thanks.