1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $(-5)^2 - 2 \times (-9) + 6$. 2. **Recall the rules:** - Squaring a number means multiplying it by itself. - Multiplying two negative numbers results in a positive number. - Follow the order of operations: exponents first, then multiplication, then addition/subtraction. 3. **Calculate each part:** - $(-5)^2 = (-5) \times (-5) = 25$ - $-2 \times (-9) = 18$ 4. **Substitute back and simplify:** $$25 + 18 + 6$$ 5. **Add the numbers:** $$25 + 18 = 43$$ $$43 + 6 = 49$$ **Final answer:** $49$