Substitute a=-4 and b=-1/2 into the expression:
((-4)-2(-1/2))^2
Remember, when we have a squared binomial, it expands; do not distribute the exponents! So, if we have (a+b)^2, we do not distribute the exponent of 2 to a and b. Instead, we expand the binomial: (a+b)(a+b). The logic of exponents applies because a number times itself x time forms the exponent n^x.
[(-4)-2(-1/2)][(-4)-2(-1/2)]
Now, use PEMDAS to simplify:
Parenthesis/brackets first:
Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction:
(-4+1)(4+1)
Simplify the parenthesis, then multiply:
(-3)(-3)
-3•-3 = 9
So, the answer is: 9