To evaluate the expression [tex]\( -4^2 \)[/tex]:
1. Exponentiation before negation: According to the order of operations, which follows the PEMDAS/BODMAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right)) rule, exponentiation should be performed before applying the negation (negative sign).
2. Calculate the exponentiation first:
[tex]\[
4^2 = 4 \times 4 = 16
\][/tex]
3. Apply the negative sign after exponentiation:
[tex]\[
-4^2 = -(4^2) = -16
\][/tex]
Thus, the value of the expression [tex]\( -4^2 \)[/tex] is [tex]\(-16\)[/tex].
