Solve 2^4 - 4:2^2: Order of Operations with Exponents

To solve the expression $2^4-4:2^2$, we must follow the order of operations, also known as BIDMAS/BODMAS (Brackets, Indices/Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction).

$1.$ Start with calculating the powers (indices) in the expression:

• $2^4 = 16$
• $2^2 = 4$

$2.$ Substitute these values back into the expression:

$16 - 4 : 4$

$3.$ Next, perform the division:

$4 : 4 = 1$

$4.$ Substitute back again and perform the final subtraction:

$16 - 1 = 15$

Therefore, the solution to the expression $2^4-4:2^2$ is 15.