Question

Which expression is equivalent to four?

a. (10 – 4) + 2
b. 10 – 4 + 2
c. 10 – (4 + 2)
d. (10 – 4 + 2)

Answer 1

C
Parenthese first
4+2=6
10-6=4

Answer 2

C. 10-(4+2) = 4

Explanation:

You have to follow the P.E.M.D.A.S., this is:

P:Parentheses first.

E:Exponent next.

M:Multiplication.

D:Division.

(Multiplication and Division is whichever come first, from left to right)

A: Addition.

S: Subtraction.

(Addition and Subtraction is whichever come first, from left to right)

We are going to analyze every option:

A. (10-4)+2

First we have to solve the parentheses

`(10-4)+2=\\(6)+2=8`

Then this expression is not equivalent to four.

B. 10-4+2

We have to solve from left to right. The subtraction come first in this case, then the addition.

`10-4+2=\\6+2=8`

Then this expression is not equivalent to four.

C. 10-(4+2)

We have to solve the parentheses first, then the subtraction:

`10-(4+2)=\\10-(6)=4`

This expression is equivalent to four.

D. (10 – 4 + 2)

In this case we have to solve from left to right, first the subtraction then the addition.

`(10-4+2)=\\(6+2)=(8)`

Then this expression is not equivalent to four.