evaluate -a^4when a= -2 -a^4=

Is this (-a)^4 or -(a^4) ?

the a not in parenthesis

-(-2)^4 = -16

To evaluate the expression -a^4 when a = -2, you need to substitute the value of -2 for a, and then perform the necessary calculations.

Step 1: Begin with the original expression -a^4.
Step 2: Replace every occurrence of "a" with "-2" since a = -2.
-(-2)^4.
Step 3: Simplify the expression within the parentheses, following the order of operations (BIDMAS/PEMDAS).
-(-2)^4 = -(-16).
Step 4: Compute the value of -(-16).
-(-16) = 16.
Therefore, the value of -a^4 when a = -2 is 16.