1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $$\frac{(-3)(6)}{(2-5)^2}$$ step by step. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Parentheses first, then exponents, multiplication/division from left to right, and addition/subtraction last. 3. **Calculate the numerator:** $$(-3)(6) = -18$$ because a negative times a positive is negative. 4. **Calculate the denominator:** First, evaluate inside the parentheses: $$2 - 5 = -3$$. 5. **Square the result:** $$(-3)^2 = 9$$ because squaring a negative number gives a positive result. 6. **Form the fraction:** $$\frac{-18}{9}$$. 7. **Simplify the fraction:** Divide numerator and denominator by 9: $$\frac{\cancel{-18}^{\,-2}}{\cancel{9}^1} = -2$$. **Final answer:** $$-2$$. --- **Slug:** order operations **Subject:** algebra **Desmos:** {"latex":"y=\frac{(-3)(6)}{(2-5)^2}","features":{"intercepts":true,"extrema":true}} **q_count:** 3