Squares to a minus number

How do I evaluate

Y to the square of -2

Answer 1

[Image Analyst]

Try this

exponent = (-2)^2; % Square of -2
result = Y .^ exponent

Answer 2

[James Mwage]

y=(-2)^2

is what I would do

[Image Analyst]

Yes, I thought of that also. The wording is ambiguous. What I thought "Y to the square of -2" most likely meant is "Y to the power of the square of -2", because of the word "to" in the phrase, though your guess is also a possible interpretation/guess at what she really meant. Perhaps Liz will re-state the question with more precise language.