First you plug in x for 8.
Your problem now reads 4 + 7 ( 8 - 4) ^2
This is an order of operations problem so you do what is in the parenthesis first which the 8-4.
You get 4 + 7 (4)^2
Following the rules of solving order of operations you solve the exponents.
4 ^ 2 is 16
Your problem now read 4 + 7 (16)
A number in parenthesis beside another number means multiplication which is next in the order of operations solving method.
7 times 16 = 112
Your problem is now 4 + 112 which is 116
Your answer is: 116