1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$3 + \frac{(9 - 1)}{4}$$ using the order of operations (PEMDAS). 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Parentheses first, then Exponents (none here), Multiplication and Division from left to right, and finally Addition and Subtraction from left to right. 3. **Evaluate inside the parentheses:** $$9 - 1 = 8$$ 4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$3 + \frac{8}{4}$$ 5. **Perform the division:** $$\frac{8}{4} = 2$$ 6. **Rewrite the expression:** $$3 + 2$$ 7. **Perform the addition:** $$3 + 2 = 5$$ **Final answer:** $$5$$