Why does my child think (−3)² = −9?
Your child gives a negative number squared as negative, such as (-3)² = -9.
Why children do it
The minus sign seems to just come along for the ride. But squaring means multiplying the number by itself, sign and all: (−3) × (−3). Two negatives make a positive, so it's 9.
How to help at home
Ask them to write it as a multiplication: (-3) × (-3), and say the sign.
The right way
Work out: (−3)²
- (−3) × (−3)Squaring uses the number twice, minus sign and all.
- 9A negative times a negative is positive.
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