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Notation – "Negative Five Squared" vs. "Opposite of the Square of Five"

publish date2026/05/07 07:22:12.749093 UTC

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Which pair correctly translates both phrases into mathematical symbols?

Phrase Symbol
negative five squared ?
the opposite of the square of five ?

Correct Answer

negative five squared → \((-5)^2\)  and  opposite of the square of five → \(-5^2\)

Explanation

"Negative five squared": the base is \(-5\) (parentheses included) → \((-5)^2 = 25\).
"The opposite of the square of five": square \(5\) first, then take the opposite → \(-5^2 = -25\). The parentheses make all the difference!

Reference

Mathematics for college students


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