Question

If an expression without grouping symbols includes addition and exponent, which operation should you do first?

a. Addition
b. Exponent
c. It depends on the specific expression
d. Subtraction

Answer 1

The correct operation to perform first is exponentiation, before addition, in line with the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS).

Step-by-step explanation:

When solving an expression that involves both addition and an exponent without grouping symbols, the correct order of operations mandates that you perform the exponentiation before the addition. This rule is part of the established order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS or BODMAS, which stands for Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). In this case, the answer to the student's question is b. Exponent.