Solve (15+9÷3-4²)² Using Order of Operations

Let's solve the expression step by step using the order of operations, often abbreviated as PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

The expression is: $(15+9:3-4^2)^2$

• Start by solving the expression inside the parentheses: $15+9:3-4^2$

• Handle the division first: $9:3 = 3$

• The expression now becomes $(15+3-4^2)$

• Next, handle the exponent: $4^2 = 16$

• The expression now becomes $(15+3-16)$

• Finally, perform the addition and subtraction from left to right:
  $15+3 = 18$
  $18-16 = 2$

• Now, we need to take this result and square it: $2^2 = 4$

Thus, the final solution to the problem $(15+9:3-4^2)^2$ is: $4$