Ontario Mathematics Proficiency Practice Test

To evaluate the expression \( 2^3 + 3^2 \), start by calculating each exponent separately.

First, \( 2^3 \) means 2 multiplied by itself three times:

\[ 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 8. \]

Next, \( 3^2 \) means 3 multiplied by itself two times:

\[ 3 \times 3 = 9. \]

Now, add the results of these calculations together:

\[ 8 + 9 = 17. \]

Thus, the correct answer is indeed 17. This result stems from correctly applying the rules of exponentiation and then performing straightforward addition. The other options do not match the sum derived from evaluating the expression correctly.