Evaluate -(-2)³: Working with Negative Numbers and Exponents

To solve the expression $-(-2)^3$, we need to first calculate the inner power and then apply the outer negative sign.

• Step 1: Calculate $(-2)^3$.
  Since $(-2)$ is raised to the power of 3, we perform the multiplication: $(-2) \times (-2) \times (-2)$.
  $(-2) \times (-2) = 4$.
  Continuing, $4 \times (-2) = -8$.
  Thus, $(-2)^3 = -8$.
• Step 2: Apply the outer negative sign.
  We have $-(-2)^3 = -(-8)$.
  According to arithmetic rules, a negative times a negative becomes positive, so $-(-8) = 8$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $8$, which matches choice number 2.