6. Which operation is performed in the second step of the problem below? \[ \frac{7^{2}-9}{3+2} \] A. subtraction B. multiplication C. division D. evaluate the exponent

To determine which operation is performed in the **second step** of evaluating the expression: \[ \frac{7^{2} - 9}{3 + 2} \] Let's follow the **order of operations** (PEMDAS/BODMAS): 1. **Parentheses/Brackets**: Evaluate expressions inside parentheses. 2. **Exponents/Orders**: Calculate powers and roots. 3. **Multiplication and Division**: From left to right. 4. **Addition and Subtraction**: From left to right. **Step-by-Step Evaluation:** 1. **First Step: Evaluate the Exponent** \[ 7^{2} = 49 \] The expression becomes: \[ \frac{49 - 9}{3 + 2} \] 2. **Second Step: Perform the Subtraction in the Numerator** \[ 49 - 9 = 40 \] Now, the expression is: \[ \frac{40}{3 + 2} \] 3. **Third Step: Perform the Addition in the Denominator** \[ 3 + 2 = 5 \] The expression simplifies to: \[ \frac{40}{5} \] 4. **Final Step: Perform the Division** \[ 40 \div 5 = 8 \] **Conclusion:** The **second step** involves performing **subtraction** in the numerator. **Answer:** A. subtraction