How would you solve: evaluate the expression (-11)^4?

Question

I try to look it up in my algebra II book, but nowhere does it say how to solve this problem. Can someone tell me how to?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Here's a trick when dealing with negative numbers with exponents.... take the main number (in this case 11) and raise it to the power (in this case 4).....that gives you 14641.....if the exponent is even (ex 2,4,6,8) the answer is positive.  If the exponent is odd (1,3,5,7), the answer is negative.

In short, the answer here is 14641.  Just thought I would give you a tip to help ya out.

Answer 2

Its just like solving other exponents. 2^3 is actually 2x2x2. So (-11)^4 is actually (-11)x(-11)x(-11)x(-11).

That comes out to be 14641.

Answer 3

that expression means -11 to the 4th power. If you have an exponent button on your calculator then all you have to do is enter -11 (exponent button) then 4. Or simply just multiply -11 by itself 4 times. (-11)(-11)(-11)(-11). Hope this helps- good luck!