Solve (-2²)-(-3¾): Order of Operations with Negative Numbers

Exponent Notation with Mixed Number Subtraction

(−22)−(−334)= (-2^2)-(-3\frac{3}{4})=

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1

Understand the problem

(−22)−(−334)= (-2^2)-(-3\frac{3}{4})=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify (−22)(-2^2).
  • Step 2: Convert −334-3\frac{3}{4} to an improper fraction.
  • Step 3: Subtract the results from Step 1 and Step 2.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: −22-2^2 means square the 2 first and then apply the negative: −22=−(22)=−4-2^2 = -(2^2) = -4.

Step 2: Convert −334-3\frac{3}{4} into an improper fraction:
A mixed fraction −334-3\frac{3}{4} can be represented as −(3+34)=−(124+34)=−154-\left(3 + \frac{3}{4}\right) = -\left(\frac{12}{4} + \frac{3}{4}\right) = -\frac{15}{4}.

Step 3: Subtract the results:
Subtract −(−154)-(-\frac{15}{4}) from −4-4:
This is equivalent to −4+154-4 + \frac{15}{4}. To add these, convert −4-4 to a fraction with the same denominator: −4=−164-4 = -\frac{16}{4}.
Now, −164+154=−16−154=−14-\frac{16}{4} + \frac{15}{4} = -\frac{16 - 15}{4} = -\frac{1}{4}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is −14-\frac{1}{4}.

3

Final Answer

−14 -\frac{1}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order: Evaluate exponents before applying negative signs
  • Technique: Convert −334 -3\frac{3}{4} to −154 -\frac{15}{4} for easier calculation
  • Check: Verify −164+154=−14 -\frac{16}{4} + \frac{15}{4} = -\frac{1}{4} ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Treating -2² as (-2)²
    Don't calculate (-2)² = 4 instead of -2² = -4! The negative sign is NOT part of the base being squared. Always square the number first, then apply the negative: -2² = -(2²) = -4.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

a is negative number.

b is negative number.

What is the sum of a+b?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What's the difference between -2² and (-2)²?

+

Great question! -2² means "negative of 2 squared" = -(2²) = -4. But (-2)² means "negative 2, all squared" = (-2)×(-2) = +4. The parentheses make a huge difference!

Why do I need to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction?

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Converting −334 -3\frac{3}{4} to −154 -\frac{15}{4} makes subtraction much easier! It's hard to subtract mixed numbers directly, but fractions with the same denominator are simple to work with.

How do I remember the order of operations with negative signs?

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Think PEMDAS! Exponents come before addition/subtraction. So in -2², do the exponent first (2² = 4), then apply the negative sign (-4). The negative isn't part of what gets squared.

What does subtracting a negative number really mean?

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Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive! So −(−154) -(-\frac{15}{4}) becomes +154 +\frac{15}{4} . Think "two negatives make a positive."

How do I add fractions with different denominators?

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Convert both fractions to have the same denominator! Here, -4 becomes −164 -\frac{16}{4} , so you can add −164+154=−14 -\frac{16}{4} + \frac{15}{4} = -\frac{1}{4} .

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