1) 2² x (3² - 4) =

Let's calculate step by step:

First, we need to calculate the values inside the parentheses:

$$3^2 = 3 \times 3 = 9$$

Now subtract 4:

$$9 - 4 = 5$$

Next, we calculate 2²:

$$2^2 = 2 \times 2 = 4$$

Finally, we multiply:

$$4 \times 5 = 20$$

So, the answer is:

2² x (3² - 4) = 4 x 5 = 20