According to the order of operations, expressions inside parentheses are evaluated first. For the given expression, this means evaluating the expression 2^4-6 completely before calculating the exponent.
(2^4-6)^2Notice also that even within this parenthetical expression, we must obey the order of operations.
2^4-6
For this, we must remember to evaluate the exponent first, then find the difference between the terms.
Operation
Before Simplification
After Simplification
Calculate power
(2^4-6)^2
( 16-6)^2
Subtract term
( 16- 6)^2
( 10)^2
Calculate power
(10)^2
100
The expression equals 100.
Alternative Solution
Using a Calculator
We can also evaluate this expression using a calculator. To do so, type it as shown below.
