Does $-x^2$ does mean $-(x^2)$ or $(-x)^2$?

Question

When I see something written as: $-x^2$ does it mean $-(x^2)$ or $(-x)^2$ ?

..and why? I can't apparently apply a streight PEMDAS rule to it

Answer 1

If it helps, think of it as $0-x^2$. The Exponent wins first, then the Subtraction. Hence it means $-(x^2)$.

Answer 2

The products have always prioprity upon the sums. So $-x^2 = - x \times x = - (x^2)$.

Answer 3

It means $-(x^2)$. Think of $-x^2$ as $-1\cdot x^2$, and then it becomes easier to understand.