Solve the Basic Equation: Finding Expressions Equal to 9

To solve this problem, we need to evaluate expressions by applying the rules of exponents and the effects of parentheses on negative numbers:

• $(-3)^2$: When a negative number is squared, the result is positive. So, $(-3)^2$ means $-3 \times -3 = 9$.
• $-(-3)^2$: This means $-1 \times (-3 \times -3)$ because squaring a number negates the negative sign inside parentheses, resulting in $-9$.
• $-(3)^2$: This equals $-1 \times (3 \times 3) = -9$, as the negative sign is outside the squared value.
• $-3$: This is simply $-3$.

Only $(-3)^2$ equals 9, confirming it as the correct expression required by the problem.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $(-3)^2$.