evaluate the expression 12² - (9 - 7)³ + 6. 12² - (9 - 7)³ + 6 = 12² - ( )³ + 6

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate inside parentheses

$9 - 7=2$

Step2: Calculate exponents

$12^{2}=12\times12 = 144$ and $(9 - 7)^{3}=2^{3}=2\times2\times2 = 8$

Step3: Perform subtraction and addition

$144-8 + 6=142$

Answer:

$142$