section_path: Integer exponents/Particular bases/Powers of negative one
section_name: Powers of negative one
paragraph_text: Powers of negative one
  
  If n is an even integer, then (−1) = 1. This is because a negative number multiplied by another negative number cancels the sign, and thus gives a positive number.
  
  If n is an odd integer, then (−1) = −1. This is because there will be a remaining −1 after removing −1 pairs.
  
  Because of this, powers of −1 are useful for expressing alternating sequences. For a similar discussion of powers of the complex number i, see § nth roots of a complex number.