Compare Powers: Is 2^4 Greater Than 4^2?

To solve this problem, we will calculate $2^4$ and $4^2$ and then compare the results:

• Step 1: Calculate $2^4$
  $2^4$ means multiplying 2 by itself 4 times: $2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 16$.
• Step 2: Calculate $4^2$
  $4^2$ means multiplying 4 by itself 2 times: $4 \times 4 = 16$.
• Step 3: Compare the results
  Since both calculations result in 16, we have $2^4 = 4^2$.

Therefore, the correct comparison is that $2^4$ is equal to $4^2$. The answer to the problem is $=$.