Problem 5 - College Algebra Essentials

Question

Evaluate each exponential expression. $$-2^{6}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

-64

Step 1: Interpretation of the expression

Understand that \( -2^6 \) mean the negative of \( 2^6 \), not \( (-2)^6 \). It is necessary to follow the order of operations: exponentiation first, then negation.

Step 2: Calculate the power

Now execute the power operation. \( 2^6 \) means multiply 2 by itself 6 times. Therefore \( 2^6 = 2*2*2*2*2*2 = 64 \)

Step 3: Apply the negative sign

Since the original expression is \( -2^6 \), apply the negative sign to the result from Step 2: so the result is -64.