Question

What is the first step in simplifying the expression below ?

3 + 4 (6 - 8)^2

O 3 Plus 4
O 3 Plus 16
O 6 Minus 8
O Multiply -2 by itself
O Multiply by 4​

Answer 1

follow PEMDAS (parentheses, exponent, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction)

6 minus 8

Answer 2

Explanation:

The very first step is to take (6 - 8) = - 2 Do the brackets first.

Now square the result (-2)^2 = 4 Multiply by 4

4*4 = 16 These fours are different. The first is the brackets, The second is what is out side the brackets.

Last step: 16 + 3 The answer is 19.

19 is not what you asked for, but it's a good idea to see how to continue.