In technical and financial calculations, the placement of parentheses determines the base of an exponent. Match each algebraic expression with its simplified numerical value.

An inventory analyst is auditing a spreadsheet formula that uses exponents to model item decay over time. The formula contains the expression $-3^4$. According to standard mathematical rules for order of operations, what is the correct evaluation of this expression, and what is its base?

A data entry specialist is auditing a spreadsheet that includes the mathematical expression $(-3)^4$. According to the order of operations and the rules for parentheses, the simplified numerical result of this expression is ____.

A technician is auditing a spreadsheet formula that contains the expression $-3^4$. True or False: Because the exponent 4 is an even number, the simplified numerical result of this expression will be a positive value.

Differentiating Exponential Bases in Spreadsheet Formulas

Explaining Exponent Rules in Financial Spreadsheets