1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$7 - \frac{5^2 + 3}{(-1)^2}$$ using order of operations. 2. **Recall order of operations:** Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). 3. **Evaluate exponents:** $$5^2 = 25$$ $$(-1)^2 = 1$$ 4. **Substitute back:** $$7 - \frac{25 + 3}{1}$$ 5. **Simplify inside the numerator:** $$25 + 3 = 28$$ 6. **Rewrite the expression:** $$7 - \frac{28}{1}$$ 7. **Simplify the fraction:** $$\frac{28}{1} = 28$$ 8. **Final subtraction:** $$7 - 28 = -21$$ **Answer:** $$-21$$