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)