Question

Find the value of the expression. a = 1/3, b = 9, c= 5. expression is 12a + c - b

Answer 1

Substitute the values of the variables into the expression and then use the order of operations to evaluate the expression. Since a=1/3, b=9, and c=5 then:

`12a+c-b=12((1)/(3))+(5)-(9)`

The first step to simplify an expression that does not involve expressions inside parenthesis and/or roots and powers, is to solve multiplications first. Multiply 12 times 1/3:

`12((1)/(3))+5-9=(12)/(3)+5-9=4+5-9`

Then, solve for additions and substractions from left to right:

`4+5-9=9-9=0`

Therefore, for the given values of the variables:

`12a+c-b=12((1)/(3))+5-9=0`