Answer: 30.25
Step 1: Rewrite equation
To start off, I find it helpful to rewrite the equation. This will give you a better understanding of the problem. Let’s do this now.
(2-7.5)²
Step 2: Understand PEMDAS
Now that we have written down the equation, let’s solve using PEMDAS. In case you are unfamiliar, I will write down what each letter stands for. Keep in mind that the letters go in the order you need to solve.
P- Parentheses
E- Exponent
M- Multiplication
D- Division
A- Addition
S- Subtraction
Step 3: Solve
Finally, we can solve the equation. Using the knowledge from step 2, we will be able to solve in the correct order. Let’s start with parentheses, and find the answer for 2-7.5.
(2-7.5)²
-5.5²
Now let’s move on to the next letter and solve using the exponent. We will multiply -5.5 by itself. This will be the final step; although there are other letters in PEMDAS, the equation will end after this step since we will already have the answer.
-5.5²
30.25
Hope this helps! Comment below for more questions.