Let's evaluate the expressions one by one.

1. $(-9)^2$: $(-9)^2 = (-9) \times (-9) = 81$

2. $(-5)^3$: $(-5)^3 = (-5) \times (-5) \times (-5) = -125$

So, the answers are:

• $(-9)^2 = 81$
• $(-5)^3 = -125$

Would you like more details on this? Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

1. What is $(-7)^2$?
2. How would you simplify $(4)^3$?
3. Evaluate $(-12)^2$.
4. What is $(-2)^3$?
5. How does the negative sign affect even and odd powers?

Tip: Squaring a negative number always gives a positive result because a negative times a negative is positive. However, raising a negative number to an odd power gives a negative result because the multiplication keeps the negative sign.