Question

Which of the following order of operations problems, using the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 once each, results in an answer of 87?

A) (2 + 4) × (6 + 3) - 5
B) 2 × (6 + 4) + 5 - 3
C) 6 × (5 + 4) - 3 + 2
D) (6 - 2) × (5 + 4) + 3

Answer 1

Upon evaluating each mathematical expression provided in the options using the correct order of operations, none of the expressions result in the answer of 87. This suggests that there may be an error in the given options or in the formulation of the question itself.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is tasked with identifying which mathematical expression, using the given numbers once each, results in the answer of 87. To find the correct expression, we evaluate each option provided, remembering to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS).

Let's check each option:

1. (2 + 4) × (6 + 3) - 5 = 6 × 9 - 5 = 54 - 5 = 49 (not 87)
2. 2 × (6 + 4) + 5 - 3 = 2 × 10 + 5 - 3 = 20 + 5 - 3 = 22 (not 87)
3. 6 × (5 + 4) - 3 + 2 = 6 × 9 - 3 + 2 = 54 - 3 + 2 = 53 (not 87)
4. (6 - 2) × (5 + 4) + 3 = 4 × 9 + 3 = 36 + 3 = 39 (not 87)

Upon evaluation, it appears that none of the options provided results in the answer of 87. There might be an error in the given options or question.