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Evaluating algebraic expressions can be a simple process,
but
needs to follow an order of operations to get the right answer.
The
sequence details the order you follow to
add, subtract, multiply, and
divide. The order is:
P.E.M.D.A.S.
Parenthesis |
Exponents |
Multiplication |
Division |
Addition |
Subtraction
3 * ( 5 + 8 ) - 22 / 4 + 3
Parenthesis first: 5 + 8 = 13
3 * 13 - 22 / 4 + 3
Exponent next: square the 2 or 22 = 4
3 * 13 - 4 / 4 + 3
Multiplication and Division next (3 * 13) (4 / 4)
left to
right:
39 - 1 + 3
Addition and Subtraction next
left to right:
39 - 1 + 3 = 41
Note that we first subtracted 1 from 39 (left to right!),
then added the 3 for the correct answer, 41.