1. **Problem:** Given $a=2$, $b=-3$, $c=4$, find: i) $ab - bc$ ii) $b(a - c)^2$ 2. **Formula and rules:** - Multiplication and subtraction are used. - Remember to substitute values correctly. 3. **Step-by-step solution:** i) Calculate $ab - bc$: $$ab = 2 \times (-3) = -6$$ $$bc = (-3) \times 4 = -12$$ So, $$ab - bc = -6 - (-12) = -6 + 12 = 6$$ ii) Calculate $b(a - c)^2$: First, find $a - c$: $$a - c = 2 - 4 = -2$$ Then square it: $$(-2)^2 = 4$$ Multiply by $b$: $$b(a - c)^2 = (-3) \times 4 = -12$$ **Final answers:** - i) $6$ - ii) $-12$