Why is (-3^2) -9 and not +9???

Answer 1

(-3)^2 = 9, but -3^2 = -9 because PEMDAS tells us that exponentiation has higher priority than addition and subtraction. Only parentheses have a higher priority than exponentiation.

Answer 2

You are correct that -3^2=9. Anytime you multiple two negative #s, you will always have a positive answer.