If $x=-3$, which of the following expressions has the smallest value?
(A) $x^{2}-3$
(B) $(x-3)^{2}$
(C) $x^{2}$
(D) $(x+3)^{2}$
(E) $x^{2}+3$
We check the value of each of the five possibilities when $x=-3$ :

$$
(-3)^{2}-3=6 \quad(-3-3)^{2}=36 \quad(-3)^{2}=9 \quad(-3+3)^{2}=0 \quad(-3)^{2}+3=12
$$

So the smallest value is that of $(x+3)^{2}$.

ANSWER: (D)

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