1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $ (8y)^2 $ and write the answer without parentheses. 2. **Recall the power of a product rule:** For any numbers or variables $a$ and $b$, and exponent $n$, the rule is: $$ (ab)^n = a^n b^n $$ This means you raise each factor inside the parentheses to the power separately. 3. **Apply the rule:** $$ (8y)^2 = 8^2 \cdot y^2 $$ 4. **Calculate each part:** $$ 8^2 = 64 $$ So, $$ (8y)^2 = 64 y^2 $$ 5. **Final answer:** $$ 64 y^2 $$ This is the simplified expression without parentheses.