math equation

does -8 to the power of 2 equal (-8) to the power of 2

No

$-8^2=-64$

$(-8)^2=64$

$-8^2\neq (-8)^2$

-8 to the power of 2 is not equal  (-8) to the power of 2.

${\color{blue}-64\neq64}$   !