Question

Evaluate -p² when p = 5.

Options

• −25

• −10

• 10

• 25

Answer 1

−25

Explanation:

The exponent applies only to p, not to the negative sign. So first square 5:

\[-p^2=-(5^2)=-25.\]

(Remember: (−p)² = 25, but −p²  = −25).