To evaluate [tex]\((-2)^2\)[/tex], we need to follow the rules of exponents. When a number is raised to an exponent, it means that the number is multiplied by itself as many times as indicated by the exponent.
Here, [tex]\(-2\)[/tex] is being raised to the power of [tex]\(2\)[/tex]. This exponent tells us to multiply [tex]\(-2\)[/tex] by itself.
[tex]\[
(-2)^2 = (-2) \times (-2)
\][/tex]
Next, we perform the multiplication:
[tex]\[
(-2) \times (-2) = 4
\][/tex]
Negative multiplied by negative gives a positive result.
Therefore, the value of [tex]\((-2)^2\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
4
\][/tex]
So, the evaluation of [tex]\((-2)^2\)[/tex] is [tex]\(4\)[/tex].
