To evaluate the expression \( 6 + 8^2 - 9 \), follow the order of operations (parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division (from left to right), addition and subtraction (from left to right)).
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First, calculate the exponent: \[ 8^2 = 64 \]
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Substitute this value back into the expression: \[ 6 + 64 - 9 \]
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Now perform the addition: \[ 6 + 64 = 70 \]
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Finally, subtract \( 9 \): \[ 70 - 9 = 61 \]
Thus, the evaluated expression is: \[ \boxed{61} \]