Why does it mean -(2^2) and not (-2)^ ?

That is the part I am having a hard time with. If someone can explain it to me in plain, simple language I will add it to the learned lessons list. And please don't anyone tell me to re-read the thread, LOL.

>-2^2 means -(2^2) . just write it down at google and press enter. This is a -math rule- . If we want to respect our computer developing abilities we should respect to mathematicians too... We're just accounting developers. That's why we're weak at math. Because we know what should be do with invoices and payrolls. So we put paranteses when we need. It caused to forget us some math. rules.
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>>Einar,
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>>What does Dr Math say that
>>
>>+2^2 is?
>>
>>If he treats positive numbers one way and negative numbers another then he's not much of a Dr.
>>
>>Why does Dr Math not believe that -2 stands for the second whole number to the left of zero on the number line?
>>
>>>Maybe this will settle the "argument"
>>>Dr. Math says -4: http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/view/53194.html
>>>
>>>As does Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_operations