In correct mathematical convention the expression
let A1 = 2 then

-A1^2 must yield

-A1^2 = -4

otherwise we would have to write
(-A1)^2 = 4

I share your opinion. But there are two Microsofts.

- for Microsoft#1, that is Excel: (-2^2 + 8) = 12

- for Microsoft#2, that is Visual Basic: (-2^2 + 8) = 4

Funny, isn't it?

Antonio I0JX