\[\left( - 3\frac{1}{2} \right)^{2} + \left( 2\frac{1}{4} \right)^{2} =\]
\[= \left( \frac{7}{2} \right)^{2} + \left( \frac{9}{4} \right)^{2} = \frac{49}{4} + \frac{81}{16} =\]
\[= \frac{49 \cdot 4 + 81}{16} =\]
\[= \frac{196 + 81}{16} = \frac{277}{16} = 17\frac{5}{16}\ \]