Step by step
The question
Question: find the value of −x² when x = 3.
−x2
x = 3
1 Put the numbers in
We put 3 in place of x.
= −32
2 Work out the power
In −3², the power is only on the 3.
The minus stays in front.
Careful!
It is not (−3)².
Without brackets, the minus stays outside.
Careful: not −32 = 9 ✗
3² means 3 times 3.
32 = 3 × 3 = 9
That is 9.
= −9
So −x² is −9 when x = 3.
Let's look back.
First: put the numbers in.
Last: work out the power.
Answer
= −9