When substituting a variable in a term with an exponent, how do I write and solve it?

Question

IE: -2x^2

Do I do:

-2(x)^2,

-2(x^2)

or (-2x)^2

I say this because of a problem I have that says "h(x)=-4x^2 -2x+5"

Answer 1

-2x² means -2 times x².  (-2x)² means (-2x)(-2x).