To evaluate the expression \(2 \cos 60^\circ - \tan \frac{\pi}{4}\), we can calculate each part separately.
Calculate \( \cos 60^\circ \): \[ \cos 60^\circ = \frac{1}{2} \] Therefore, \[ 2 \cos 60^\circ = 2 \times \frac{1}{2} = 1 \]
Calculate \( \tan \frac{\pi}{4} \): \[ \tan \frac{\pi}{4} = 1 \]
Now, substitute these values back into the expression: \[ 2 \cos 60^\circ - \tan \frac{\pi}{4} = 1 - 1 = 0 \]
Thus, the final answer is: \[ \boxed{0} \]