To determine the first step in simplifying the expression \( 13 - 2(1 - 15) \div 4 \), we need to follow the order of operations (often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).
- Parentheses: The first operation to address is the expression inside the parentheses: \( 1 - 15 \).
So, the first step is to simplify \( 1 - 15 \).
Thus, the first step in simplifying the expression is:
Calculate \( 1 - 15 \).