$(-3)^2$ evaluates to 9.

Here's the breakdown:

• $(-3)$ is the base, and the exponent is $2$, meaning you multiply $-3$ by itself.
• $(-3) \times (-3) = 9$, because multiplying two negative numbers results in a positive product.

So, $(-3)^2 = 9$.

Would you like more details on this, or do you have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

1. What is $(-4)^2$?
2. What is the value of $(-5)^3$?
3. How does $(-3)^2$ differ from $-3^2$?
4. What is $(-3)^4$?
5. Can you express $(-3)^2$ in terms of absolute value?

Tip: When the base is negative and raised to an even power, the result is positive.