Compare Powers: Which is Greater, 5² or 2⁵?

To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:

• Step 1: Calculate $5^2$.
• Step 2: Calculate $2^5$.
• Step 3: Compare the results to determine which is larger.

Let's work through each step:
Step 1: Calculate $5^2$.
$5^2 = 5 \times 5 = 25$.

Step 2: Calculate $2^5$.
$2^5 = 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 32$.

Step 3: Compare the results.
We have $5^2 = 25$ and $2^5 = 32$. Clearly, $25 < 32$.

Therefore, $5^2 \text{ }_{——} 2^5$ is < .