Question

if -1 < x < 0 which of the following has the smallest value?

(A) x^2
(B) x^3
(C) x^4

Answer 1

Answer: (B) x^3

Explanation:

If you compare the graphs of

• y = x^2
• y = x^3
• y = x^4

all on the interval -1 < x < 0, you'll find that y = x^3 is the smallest when x = -1

Squaring a negative number leads to a positive result, and similarly that happens with x^4 as well. This is because x^4 = (x^2)^2.

Plugging x = -1 into x^3 leads to y = -1 as a result.