Question

Select all the expressions that are equivalent to 8-12-(6+4).

(Select all that apply.)
8-(6+4)-12
(6+4)-8-12
8-12-6-4
8-6-12+4

Answer 1

8-(6+4)-12

8-12-6-4

Explanation:

8-(6+4)-12 and 8-12-6-4 are equivalent expressions because they both compute to -6. This is because in both expressions, the 6+4 is calculated first, yielding 10. Then, the 8 is subtracted from 10, yielding -2. Finally, the 12 is subtracted from -2, yielding -6.

6+4)-8-12 is not an equivalent expression because it does not compute to -6. In this expression, the 6+4 is calculated first, yielding 10. Then, the 8 is subtracted from 10, yielding 2. Finally, the 12 is subtracted from 2, yielding -10.

8-6-12+4 is not an equivalent expression because it does not compute to -6. In this expression, the 8 is subtracted from 6, yielding -2. Then, the 12 is subtracted from -2, yielding -14. Finally, 4 is added to -14, yielding -10.