How do you use symbols to make the statement 71_5_9_2_2 = 61 true?

1 Answer
Feb 28, 2016

#71-5-9+2xx2 = 61#

or simply:

#71-5-9+2+2 = 61#

Explanation:

Multiplication takes precedence over addition or subtraction.

Once you are left with a sequence of additions and subtractions, work from left to right.

#71-5-9+underbrace(2xx2)_xx#

#=underbrace(71-5)_(-)-9+4#

#=underbrace(66-9)_(-)+4#

#=underbrace(57+4)_(+)#

#=61#

Or:

#=underbrace(71-5)_(-)-9+2+2#

#=underbrace(66-9)_(-)+2+2#

#=underbrace(57+2)_(+)+2#

#=underbrace(59+2)_(+)#

#=61#