1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the logarithmic expression $$\log_3 27 - \log_2 4$$. 2. **Recall the logarithm rules:** - $$\log_b a$$ means the exponent to which the base $$b$$ must be raised to get $$a$$. - The subtraction of logarithms with different bases cannot be combined directly. 3. **Evaluate each logarithm separately:** - $$\log_3 27$$ means "to what power must 3 be raised to get 27?" Since $$27 = 3^3$$, we have $$\log_3 27 = 3$$. - $$\log_2 4$$ means "to what power must 2 be raised to get 4?" Since $$4 = 2^2$$, we have $$\log_2 4 = 2$$. 4. **Subtract the results:** $$\log_3 27 - \log_2 4 = 3 - 2 = 1$$. 5. **Final answer:** $$1$$. This is a positive whole number as the hint suggested.