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Simplification is a key skill in prealgebra, involving reducing an expression to its simplest form. It makes mathematical problems easier to understand and solve. In each expression, our goal is to simplify until there are no more operations to apply. This often involves a few core steps:

• Remove grouping symbols such as parentheses.
• Perform operations in the correct order (more on that later).
• Reduce any fractions or expressions with multiple terms as much as possible.

In the given exercise, the simplification process starts by addressing the content inside the parentheses first. Once those are simplified, you reach a point where the expression involves a basic operation, like division. The aim is to get the expression down to a single number, which is the most simplified form possible. This approach not only makes solving easier but also minimizes errors.

The order of operations is crucial in mathematics for solving problems correctly. It ensures that everyone solves mathematical expressions in the same way, leading to consistent results. The widely accepted rule to follow is PEMDAS:

• P: Parentheses first
• E: Exponents (i.e., powers and square roots, etc.)
• M/D: Multiplication and Division (from left to right)
• A/S: Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)

In our problem, the first operation is subtraction inside the parentheses. According to PEMDAS, you must resolve any operations inside parentheses before moving on. That simplifies the expression to a simple division operation. Without following the correct order, the solution can easily become incorrect.

Division is one of the fundamental operations in arithmetic. It involves splitting a number (the dividend) into equal parts. The number you divide by is called the divisor, and the result is the quotient. In the exercise we've looked at, the division step involved dividing 4 (the simplified result inside the parentheses) by 4 (the divisor). This results in a quotient of 1 because any non-zero number divided by itself equals 1. Understanding this simple yet powerful principle can help make complex problems easier down the line. Here are some key points to remember about division:

• Division by zero is undefined. Never attempt it.
• Division is closely related to multiplication; knowing your multiplication tables can speed up division.
• The terms dividend, divisor, and quotient are crucial to understanding division problems.

Mastering division not only aids in prealgebra but also establishes a foundation for higher-level math concepts.