Evaluate the Expression: 4 + 2² Using Order of Operations

To solve the expression $4 + 2^2$, follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

Let's break down the expression:

• Step 1: Identify any exponents.
  The expression contains an exponent: $2^2$. To evaluate this, multiply 2 by itself: $2 \times 2$, which equals 4.
  So, $2^2 = 4$.
• Step 2: Perform addition.
  Now, substitute the result back into the original expression:
  $4 + 4$.
  Add these numbers together: 4 + 4 equals 8.

Therefore, the answer to the expression $4 + 2^2$ is 8.