Does (-4a)^2 = 16a^2 or -4a^2

???

Both terms within the parenthesis as squared.

Sorry!

Both terms within the parenthesis are squared.

To simplify the expression (-4a)^2, we need to think about the order of operations. The exponentiation should be done before any negative sign is applied.

So, (-4a)^2 means we first square the expression inside the parentheses: -4a * -4a.

Multiplying -4a by -4a gives us 16a^2.

Therefore, (-4a)^2 simplifies to 16a^2.