why is -6^2 negative and (-6)^2 positive?

for -6^2 the square operation happens first because of the order of operations

to make it clear -6^2 is the same as: -(6^2)

so the negative happens after 6 gets squared and you get -36

for (-6)^2 you are making it specific that -6 is getting squared and as you know -6 * -6 = +36

Because in -6^2 , the 6 is getting squared first, then getting multiplied by the negative.

With (-6)^2 , the negative is getting multiplied by a negative. Negative multiplied by a negative is a positive

the first isn't -36.

negative x negative = positive.

it's 36.

The Order of Operations. Exponentiation comes before multiplication.