how do I type -1^2? when I do it I type (-1)^2, but I still get -1 when the answer is obviously 1

I'll use the calc and see.

$${\left(-{\mathtt{1}}\right)}^{{\mathtt{2}}} = {\mathtt{1}}$$

$${\mathtt{\,-\,}}\left({{\mathtt{1}}}^{{\mathtt{2}}}\right) = -{\mathtt{1}}$$        The calc put the brackets in - I did not.  But the answer is correct.  :)

I thought so too, but
-1^2 = -1*1 = -1 
(-1)^2 = (-1)*(-1) = 1