Question

What is the first step in evaluating the expression shown below?

12
÷
(
7
.
4
−
3
.
6
)
+
8
−
2

Answer 1

Explanation:

The first step in evaluating the expression is to perform the calculations inside the parentheses. This involves subtracting 3.6 from 7.4.

Step 1: Evaluate the expression inside the parentheses.

7.4 - 3.6 = 3.8

After evaluating the expression inside the parentheses, the expression becomes:

12 ÷ 3.8 + 8 - 2

Step 2: Perform the division.

12 ÷ 3.8 = 3.158

After performing the division, the expression becomes:

3.158 + 8 - 2

Step 3: Perform the addition and subtraction from left to right.

3.158 + 8 = 11.158

11.158 - 2 = 9.158

Therefore, the value of the given expression is approximately 9.158.

Answer 2

The first step is:

⇨ parentheses

Work/explanation:

The expression is:

12 ÷ (7.4 − 3.6) + 8 − 2

Let's recall the order of operations first:

• order of operations = PEMDAS

PEMDAS

• Parentheses
• Exponents
• Multiplication
• Division
• Addition
• Subtraction

So we evaluate

`\sf{12/(7.4-3.6)+8-2}`

`\sf{12/3.8+8-2}`

Next, division:

`\sf{3.158+8-2}`

Next, addition & subtraction:

`\sf{9.158}`

Hence, the first step is to evaluate the parentheses.