4 + 5 · 2 3.In this expression the numbers are 4, 5, 2 and 3 and they are combined by the operations of addition, multiplication and exponentiation.
3 (4 + 5) + 2.Here the sub-expression is 4 + 5. A more complicated example is:
10 (3 (4 + 5) + 2)It is the previous expression multiplied by 10. This expression contains a sub-expression which itself contains a sub-expression! The question then arises: in what order do we carry out these operations? The answer is given in this table:
Order of operations:
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Algebra Coach Exercises |
In this exponential you know that the “+2” is in the exponent together with the “3” because it is written smaller and higher than the base and directly beside the “3”. This means that the exponent is meant to be “3+2” and must be kept together as if it had brackets around it.
In this fraction you know that the “+5” is in the numerator together with the “7” because it is written directly beside the “7” and the division line goes right across under both. The same goes for the “+4” in the denominator. This means that the numerator is “7+5” and the denominator is “2+4” and both must be kept together as if they had brackets around them.
Conclusion: Neatness and precision count!
Algebra Coach Exercises |