This study notes covers Worked Example 3: Negative Bases within Powers & Roots for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Powers & Roots in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 15 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 9 of 13 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 9 of 13
Practice
15 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Worked Example 3: Negative Bases
Calculate: (a) (-3)² (b) -3²
Solution
(a) (-3)² = (-3) × (-3) = 9
The brackets mean square the negative number
(b) -3² = -(3 × 3) = -9
No brackets means square 3, then make negative
Brackets make all the difference!