Question

Add parentheses to make true3 + 4 × 2 = 1472 ÷ 12 - 6 = 12

Answer 1

We want to find where to put the parentheses on each expression to make the expression true.

First, we identify the symbols +, x, / and - to identify the pairs of numbers. For example, in the expression

`3+4\cdot2`

we have two symbols (+, *).

Now, this would give us two pairs of expression where we can put the parentheses. That is, one possibility per symbol. So we have

`(3+4)`

and

`(4\cdot2)`

Now, let us try the first choice. Remember that first we have to evaluate what is inside the parentheses. This would give us

`(3+4)\cdot2=7\cdot2=14`

which coincides to the value we wanted.

In the second case, we have the following symbols / and -

This would give us two pairs for grouping, namely

`(72/12)`

and

`(12\text{ -6)}`

as before, we will first evaluet the first option

`((72)/(12))\text{ - 6=6 -6 =0}`

If we try the second option, we woud get

`\frac{72}{(12\text{ -6)}}=(72)/(6)=12`

which would give us the correct value.