5²+4²

To solve this expression, we need to perform the operations of exponentiation and addition.

5² means "5 raised to the power of 2," or 5 multiplied by itself. So, 5² = 5 x 5 = 25.

4² means "4 raised to the power of 2," or 4 multiplied by itself. So, 4² = 4 x 4 = 16.

Finally, we add the values of 5² and 4²: 25 + 16 = 41.

Therefore, 5² + 4² equals 41.