What is the first step in simplifying the expression #(2-3times4+5)^2#?

1 Answer
Jan 2, 2017

The first step in simplifying this expression is to evaluate the terms within the parenthesis - starting with the multiplication and following the rules for operations in math.

Explanation:

#(2 - (3 xx 4) + 5)^2 = (2 - 12 + 5)^2 =#

#((2 - 12) + 5)^2 = (-10 + 5)^2 = (-5)^2 = 25#