If a = -1, what is the value of –(a^2 + a^3 + a^4 + a^5)? : GMAT Problem Solving (PS)
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# If a = -1, what is the value of –(a^2 + a^3 + a^4 + a^5)?

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Intern
Joined: 03 Jun 2011
Posts: 8
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 3 [0], given: 2

If a = -1, what is the value of –(a^2 + a^3 + a^4 + a^5)? [#permalink]

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08 Jun 2011, 08:35
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If a = -1, what is the value of –(a^2 + a^3 + a^4 + a^5)?

A. -14
B. -4
C. 0
D. 4
E. 14
[Reveal] Spoiler: OA
Math Forum Moderator
Joined: 20 Dec 2010
Posts: 2021
Followers: 162

Kudos [?]: 1670 [0], given: 376

Re: If a = -1, what is the value of –(a^2 + a^3 + a^4 + a^5)? [#permalink]

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08 Jun 2011, 08:46
pritis wrote:
If a = -1, what is the value of –(a^2 + a^3 + a^4 + a^5)?
Choices
A -14
B -4
C 0
D 4
E 14

Even power of negative=+ve
Odd power of negative=-ve

$$a^2=(-1)^2=1$$
$$a^3=(-1)^3=-1$$
$$a^4=(-1)^4=1$$
$$a^5=(-1)^5=-1$$

Ans: "C"

pritis:
Please use ^ to denote power.
_________________
Re: If a = -1, what is the value of –(a^2 + a^3 + a^4 + a^5)?   [#permalink] 08 Jun 2011, 08:46
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