Question

What is the correct order of operations for simplifying the expression 2 – 3x + 5 + 7(y – 5x)2 + x?

Answer 1

Answer: D. square the binomial, distribute 7 inside the parentheses, and then combine like terms

I just took the test on edge, this is correct :)

Answer 2

square the binomial , distribute 7 inside the parenthesis, and then combine like terms

Explanation:

2 – 3x + 5 + 7(y – 5x)^2 + x

We use order of operations, PEMDAS

We start with parenthesis

So we do (y-5x)^2 ----> square the binomial

2 – 3x + 5 + 7(y^2-10x+25) + x

Then as per the order of operation, we distribute 7 inside the parenthesis

after removing the parenthesis we combine like terms

so order of operation is

square the binomial , distribute 7 inside the parenthesis, and then combine like terms