First you plug in x for 8. Your problem now reads 4 + 7 ( 8 - 4) ^2 This is an order of operations problem so you do what is in the parenthesis first which the 8-4. You get 4 + 7 (4)^2 Following the rules of solving order of operations you solve the exponents. 4 ^ 2 is 16 Your problem now read 4 + 7 (16) A number in parenthesis beside another number means multiplication which is next in the order of operations solving method. 7 times 16 = 112 Your problem is now 4 + 112 which is 116
