Why Does -3^2 Equal -9 Instead of 9?

[RestlessMind]

I thought powers were things like (using the example in the title): -3 * -3 = 9

But when I enter -3^2 in my calculator, I get -9. I thought a negative multiplied by a negative was a positive. What's going on here?

 

[pbandjay]

It squares the three before multiplying by negative one.

(-3)² = (-3)(-3) = 9
-3² = -(3)(3) = -9

 

[Doc Al]

The calculator assumes that you mean -3², not (-3)². Try entering 3, then using the +/- key to change its sign, then hit the square key.

 

[RestlessMind]

Ah, I see! Thanks very much!