When a base is a negative number, the result can be either a positive number or a negative number depending upon the exponents.
If the exponent is even, then the result is positive and if the exponent is odd, then the result is negative.
For example,
(𝑖)(−4)2 = (−4) × (−4) = 16
(𝑖𝑖)(−4)3 = (−4) × (−4) × (−4) = 16 × (−4) = −64
- Parentheses () plays an important role when the base is negative.
For example,
(-3)4 is not the same as -34.
(−3)4 = (−3) × (−3) × (−3) × (−3) = 81
−34 = −3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = −81
Here, (−3)4 is a negative base exponent whereas −34 is a positive base exponent.