Question

Evaluate the expression when a=3 and b=4: 4/2÷2⋅(3²−1)

a) 12
b) 16
c) 18
d) 24

Answer 1

To evaluate the expression 4/2÷2·(3²−1) with a=3 and b=4, first calculate the exponent and subtraction within the parentheses, then perform the multiplication and division in order from left to right. The final answer is 8, which is not among the given options.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expression to evaluate is 4/2÷2·(3²−1) with given values a=3 and b=4. The correct answer is obtained through the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction). First, address the parentheses and exponents:

• 3² = 3 × 3 = 9
• 9 − 1 = 8

Next, follow through the multiplication and division from left to right:

• 4/2 = 2
• 2 ÷ 2 = 1
• 1 · 8 = 8

The final answer is 8, which was not listed among the provided choices.