1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$4^3 \div 2^2$$. 2. **Recall the rules:** - For powers, $a^m \div a^n = a^{m-n}$ if the bases are the same. - If bases differ, calculate each power separately. 3. **Calculate each power:** - $4^3 = 4 \times 4 \times 4 = 64$ - $2^2 = 2 \times 2 = 4$ 4. **Divide the results:** $$\frac{64}{4} = 16$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$16$$