How do you simplify #8 + 1/2 (4)^2 - 5# using PEMDAS?

1 Answer
Aug 1, 2016

#11#

Explanation:

First find the number of terms. In this case there are three.
Each term will simplify to a single answer. They will be added or subtracted in the last step.

#color(red)(8)color(blue)( + 1/2 (4)^2)color(magenta)( - 5)#

Do the most powerful operation first- powers and roots,

#color(red)(8)color(blue)( + 1/2 (16)color(magenta)( - 5)#

#color(red)(8)color(blue)(+8)color(magenta)( - 5)#

#=11#