3(-2)^2? What to do first? Am I right?

Question

3(-2)^2

What do you do first? (PEMDAS) I'm stuck between two choices. Should I do the Parenthesis first or the exponent? (-2) is part of the exponent so I believe I should do solve the exponent (4) and then multiply it with 3.

Am I right?

Answer 1

The only thing in the parentheses is the -2, so you can't "do" what's inside the parentheses.  It's already "done".  You're forced to to the exponent.  You are correct: it's 3 * 4 = 12.

Answer 2

First take care of the exponent, then the multiplication. Thus, the final result is 12

Answer 3

You square the -2, then multiply by 3.  So, 12.

Answer 4

Yes, exactly.

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