Question

What is the first step in simplifying the following expression: 2 + 3(4 + 5×2) − 8 + 3^2

Question options:


2 + 3



5 x 2



3^2


4 + 5

Answer 1

5 x 2 inside the parenthesis

Explanation:

We need an order of operations to ensure we always arrive at the correct answer. It gives us a consistent way to work with numbers. We use the mnemonic device like PEMDAS to remember the correct order.

P-parenthesis

E-exponents

M-multiplication

D-division

A-add

S-subtract.

We apply them left to right doing inner operations before outer operations.

There fore our first step is in the parenthesis and multiplication because it is the inner most operations. 5 x 2 inside the parenthesis.