\( 1 \leftarrow \quad \begin{array}{l}\text { Evaluate the expression. } \\ -8^{2} \\ -8^{2}=\square\end{array} \)

To evaluate the expression \(-8^{2}\), we need to remember the order of operations. The exponent applies only to the \(8\), not the negative. Thus, \(-8^{2} = - (8^{2}) = - 64\). So, \(-8^{2} = -64\). In this case, having a clear understanding of the negative sign placement and exponent rules is crucial. It's easy to misinterpret \(-8^2\) as \((-8)^2\), which would actually yield \(64\). But here, we're sticking with \(-64\)!