i know this is simple but what is the answer to the -3 squared?

Question

-3 squared is 9.

Check this site for more information.

http://www.gomath.com/algebra/negative.php

Well then I do not know how to use my calculator. Every time I put in -3 to the second power it gives me -9. I have tried more than one calculator.

Clear your calculator, punch in 3, hit the "change sign key", then hit the squared button. OR, punch in -3 and multiply by -3.

try putting brackets around -3 on your calculator, or

knowing that when you square a negative you get a positive, why not put in the positive value of your number to begin with?

Thank you. Using brackets fixed my problem.