4. Simplify 6^2 - 3^2
Answer: C
27
To simplify the expression 6^2 - 3^2, we calculate each square first, yielding 36 - 9, which simplifies to 27.
A) 6
This option is incorrect because it does not represent the result of the calculation. The expression simplifies to 27, not 6, as it overlooks the correct squares of the numbers involved.
B) 9
This option is also incorrect. While 9 is the square of 3, it does not reflect the outcome of subtracting the squares of 6 and 3. The correct simplification results in 27.
C) 27
This is the correct answer. The expression simplifies to 36 - 9, which equals 27. Therefore, this option accurately represents the simplified result.
D) 3
This option is incorrect as well. It does not correspond to the result of the calculation. The operation yields 27, not 3, making this option invalid.
Conclusion
The correct answer is 27, as it accurately reflects the result of the calculation. All other options fail because they either miscalculate the squares or do not represent the difference between the two squared values, demonstrating a misunderstanding of the operation involved.