How do you simplify #2+4xx3+1/2# using PEMDAS?

2 Answers
Aug 12, 2017

#14 1/2=29/2#

Explanation:

When evaluating expressions with #color(blue)"mixed operations"# there is a particular order that must be followed.

#"using the order as set out in the acronym PEMDAS"#

[P-parenthesis (brackets), E-exponents (powers), M-multiplication, D-division, A-addition, S-subtraction]

#2+12+1/2larrcolor(red)" multiplication"#

#"now add the numbers from left to right"#

#=14 1/2=29/2larrcolor(red)" addition"#

Aug 12, 2017

#14 1/2#

Explanation:

When working with expressions with different operations, the most important step is to count the NUMBER of TERMS FIRST.

Terms are separated by #+ and -# signs.

Simplify each term to a single answer which will be added or subtracted in the last step.

Within each term, do operations in the order:

  • Brackets first
  • powers and roots
  • multiplication and division

#color(blue)(2)color(red)(+ 4xx3) color(green)(+1/2)" "larr# there are #3# terms

#=color(blue)(2)color(red)(+ 12) color(green)(+1/2)#

#=14 1/2#