Is the answer 9 or -9?

When I first encountered problems like -x², I was among those who incorrectly answered 9 instead of -9. The confusion often arises because the negative sign and the exponent can be tricky to interpret without proper parentheses. It's essential to remember that the square applies only to x, not the negative sign immediately preceding it, unless it’s grouped with parentheses. For example, if you have -(x²) and x=3, you first square x to get 9, then apply the negative sign resulting in -9. However, if it were (-x)², then the negative would be squared as well, making the answer positive 9. This subtle difference caused many exam disputes, as highlighted in the #AlgebraSurvivalGuide. From my experience, the best way to avoid this mistake is to rewrite expressions explicitly and show your working step-by-step. For instance, write -x² as -1 × (x²) and calculate each part separately. This technique not only clarifies your thought process but also helps you spot where errors are likely to occur. In preparing for exams like WAEC2026, I found practicing multiple problems focusing on indices and negative signs helped solidify this understanding. Discussing your approach with peers or instructors can also reveal common pitfalls and reinforce correct methods. Remember, clear notation and slow, methodical solving are key. The negative square trap is common, but once you internalize the difference between -x² and (-x)², you'll improve your confidence and accuracy in algebra problems significantly.