Question

What's the difference between (-3)^2 and -3^2

Answer 1

Basically (-3)^2 is literally negative three times negative three so 9
In -3^2 the calculator understands
3^2 which is 9 and then makes it negative (-9) because it doesn't see the - as part of what is being squared

Answer 2

(-3)^2 = 9
-3^2 = -9
Hope this helps!