Urgent help a short question: Does (-a^3)^2 equal -a^6 or +a^6 ?

[Muhammad Daud]

Does (-a³)² equal -a⁶ or a⁶ ?

Thank you!

 

[stapel]

Does (-a³)² equal -a⁶ or a⁶ ?

Thank you!

If you're not sure, try plugging some numbers in. For instance, if a = 1, then a^3 = 1^3 = 1, -a^3 = -1, and (-a^3)^2 = (-1)^2 = ...?