Evaluate -6²: Understanding Negative Numbers and Exponents

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

• Step 1: Recognize the order of operations.
• Step 2: Evaluate the exponent first before applying any operations outside the exponent.
• Step 3: Apply the negative sign to the result of the squared value.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The expression $-6^2$ involves squaring the number 6. According to the order of operations, we compute exponents before multiplying by -1.
Step 2: This means we first calculate $6^2$, which is equal to 36.
Step 3: After evaluating the square, apply the negative sign: $-6^2 = -(6^2) = -36$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $-36$.