Evaluate the factor with the exponent first. 3^2 = 9. Then perform multiplication, then subtraction.
4*3^2 - 2*4
= 4*9 - 2*4
= 36 - 8
= 28
You can shortcut this a little bit if you recognize the factor of 4 can be saved until the end. This doesn't quite do "the indicated operations" as we have revised the form of the problem, but it can serve as a check.
= 4(3^2 - 2)
= 4(9 - 2)
= 4*7
= 28
4*3^2 - 2*4
= 4*9 - 2*4
= 36 - 8
= 28
You can shortcut this a little bit if you recognize the factor of 4 can be saved until the end. This doesn't quite do "the indicated operations" as we have revised the form of the problem, but it can serve as a check.
= 4(3^2 - 2)
= 4(9 - 2)
= 4*7
= 28
