Square Calculator x²

Squaring Negative Numbers

When you want to square negative numbers in this calculator use parentheses with your input.

For example, to square -4 enter it into the calculator as (-4) with parentheses. To take the negative of 4 squared enter it as -(4) or -4.

When an exponent expression is written with a positive value such a 4² it is easy for most anyone to understand this means 4 × 4 = 16.

However, when it is written as a negative value without parentheses the meaning is ambiguous. It has a different meaning to different people.

Different possible interpretations of -4²:

1. negative of (4 squared) is -4² = -(4)² = -(4 × 4) = -16
2. (negative 4) squared is (-4)² = (-4 × -4) = 16

Use parentheses to clearly indicate which calculation you really want to happen.

Squared

A number n squared is written as n² and n² = n × n. If n is an integer then n² is a perfect square.

For example, 3 squared is written as 3² and 3² = 3 × 3 = 9. Nine is a perfect square.