a. \( 4^{2}-10+2^{3}-3 \times 4 \)

Let’s break down that expression step by step! First, we evaluate the exponentials and the multiplication: \( 4^{2} = 16 \) and \( 2^{3} = 8 \). Now, replace those values into the expression: \( 16 - 10 + 8 - 3 \times 4 \). Next, we calculate \( 3 \times 4 = 12 \). Now we have: \( 16 - 10 + 8 - 12 \). Finally, perform the addition and subtraction from left to right: \( 16 - 10 = 6 \), \( 6 + 8 = 14 \), \( 14 - 12 = 2 \). So the final answer is \( 2 \).