Q1. Simplify:

Background

Topic: Exponents and Order of Operations

This question tests your understanding of how to evaluate expressions with exponents, especially when the exponent is 1 or 0, and how to apply subtraction between the results.

Key Terms and Formulas

• Exponent: The number that indicates how many times to multiply the base by itself.

• Any number to the power of 1:

• Any nonzero number to the power of 0:

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Evaluate . Recall that any number raised to the power of 1 is itself.

2. Evaluate . Remember that any nonzero number raised to the power of 0 is 1.

3. Set up the subtraction: Take the result from step 1 and subtract the result from step 2.

4. Write the expression in terms of the evaluated values, but do not compute the final subtraction yet.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!