Simplifying Expressions and Exponents

The video tutorial explains how to simplify a mathematical expression, emphasizing common mistakes such as incorrectly simplifying numbers with powers. It clarifies the difference between the square of a number and the opposite of a square, using 4^2 as an example. The tutorial demonstrates that the opposite of 4 squared is -16, not 16, and simplifies the expression to -16/2, resulting in -8. The correct answer is highlighted as option D.

Why can't the numbers 2 and 4 be simplified in the expression?

• Because they are not in the same term

• Because 4 is a larger number

• Because 4 is raised to the second power

• Because 2 is a prime number

What is a common mistake when simplifying expressions with exponents?

• Subtracting numbers instead of dividing

• Adding numbers instead of multiplying

• Simplifying numbers with exponents as if they were not

• Ignoring the exponent

What is the square of 4?

• 20

• 16

• 12

• 8

What is the opposite of the square of 4?

• 8

• -8

• -16

• 16

What does the expression -16 / 2 simplify to?

• 8

• 4

• -8

• -4