To start off the equation (5+4) (3-1)² you'd have to remember the PEMDAS rule. Parentheses, Exponent, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. You'd start this by adding 5 and 4 in the parentheses and subtracting 1 from 3 in the parentheses. This leaves you with (9) (2)². You's then square 2, leaving you with (9) (4). Finally, you'd multiply 9 and 4 to get 36.