1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $-(7^2 - 40)$. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Calculate the exponent first, then the subtraction inside the parentheses, and finally apply the negative sign outside. 3. Calculate $7^2$: $$7^2 = 49$$ 4. Substitute back into the expression: $$-(49 - 40)$$ 5. Simplify inside the parentheses: $$49 - 40 = 9$$ 6. Apply the negative sign outside: $$-9$$ 7. **Final answer:** $$-9$$