Question

How do you simplify `(5 + 4 times 2) - 3 times 2^3` using order of operations?

Answer 1

`-11`

Explanation:

Count the number of terms first. They are separated by + and - signs. Each term will simplify to a single answer and they can be added or subtracted in he last step.

Any operations which have to be done first are enclosed in brackets.

If there are no brackets, then within each term the stronger operations of powers and roots have to be done first.

Then multiplication and division are done.

`color(blue)((5+4xx2))" - "color(green)(3xx2^3)" "larr` there are `2` terms, although the brackets are not really necessary.

The parts in RED have be done first in each term:

`(5+color(red)(4xx2))" - "3xxcolor(red)(2^3)`

`=(5+color(red)(8))" - "3xxcolor(red)(8)`

Now simplify each term:

`= 13-24`

`= -11`