Question

Which would come first when correctly using order of operations to evaluate the expression below?

[2 + (1 - 3) times 12]
a. Add 2
b. Subtract 1 and 3
c. Divide by 12
d. Raise to the 4th power

Answer 1

The correct order of operations is to simplify the expression inside the parentheses first, then perform any multiplications or divisions from left to right, and finally do any additions or subtractions from left to right. Using this order, the expression [2 + (1 - 3) imes 12] can be evaluated as -22.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct order of operations, also known as PEMDAS, is as follows:

1. Perform any calculations inside parentheses first
2. Then, do any multiplications or divisions from left to right
3. Finally, do any additions or subtractions from left to right

Using this order of operations, we can evaluate the expression [2 + (1 - 3) imes 12] as follows:

1. Simplify the expression inside the parentheses: (1 - 3) = -2
2. Multiply -2 by 12: -2 imes 12 = -24
3. Add 2 to -24: 2 + (-24) = -22

Therefore, the correct answer is -22, which is option b. Subtract 1 and 3.