Simplify: \(9-3(2^2)\) = `_________`.

A \(−3\)

explanation

The Rules Guiding Order of Operations require that we address exponents first, then multiplications, then subtractions.
Exponent first: \(2^2=4\)
\(9 − 3(2^2\)) = \(9− 3(4)\)
Multiply: \(3(4) = 12\)
\(= 9 − 12\)
Add the opposite.
\(= 9 + (−12)\)
Add: \(9 + (−12)\)
\(= −3\)