1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $4 + \frac{6^2}{(6 - 2^2)}$. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Calculate exponents first, then parentheses, then division, and finally addition. 3. **Calculate the exponent in the numerator:** $$6^2 = 36$$ 4. **Calculate the exponent inside the denominator:** $$2^2 = 4$$ 5. **Evaluate the denominator:** $$6 - 4 = 2$$ 6. **Rewrite the expression with these values:** $$4 + \frac{36}{2}$$ 7. **Simplify the fraction:** $$\frac{36}{2} = 18$$ 8. **Add the remaining terms:** $$4 + 18 = 22$$ **Final answer:** $22$