The expression $-2^2$ can be a bit confusing due to the placement of the negative sign and the exponent. According to the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), exponents are evaluated before the negation.

Here’s how it works:

$-2^2 = -(2^2) = -(4) = -4$

So, $-2^2$ equals $-4$.

Would you like a more detailed explanation or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions you might find useful:

1. What is the result of $(-2)^2$?
2. How does the order of operations affect expressions with exponents and negative signs?
3. What is the value of $-3^2$?
4. How do you simplify $-(x^2)$ for any value of $x$?
5. What is the difference between $-x^2$ and $(-x)^2$?

Tip: Always remember that in expressions like $-2^2$, the exponentiation happens before applying the negative sign.