Let's evaluate each expression:

1. $(-9)^2$:

   • Squaring $-9$ means multiplying it by itself: $(-9) \times (-9) = 81$ So, $(-9)^2 = 81$.

2. $(-5)^3$:

   • Cubing $-5$ means multiplying $-5$ by itself three times: $(-5) \times (-5) \times (-5) = -125$ So, $(-5)^3 = -125$.

Final Answers:

1. $(-9)^2 = 81$
2. $(-5)^3 = -125$

Would you like further details on any of these steps?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

1. What is $(-7)^2$ and $(-7)^3$?
2. How does raising a negative number to an even power differ from raising it to an odd power?
3. Can you find the value of $(-2)^4$?
4. What is the general rule for powers of negative numbers?
5. How does squaring and cubing affect the magnitude of positive versus negative numbers?

Tip: Remember, raising a negative number to an even power results in a positive value, while raising it to an odd power results in a negative value.