How do you evaluate #4( - 2) + 5+ 1^ { 2}#?

1 Answer
Oct 6, 2017

#-2#

Explanation:

Count the number of terms first. Terms are separated by #+ and -# signs. Each term simplifies to a single value and they are added or subtracted in the the last step.

Within each term, the order is:
- brackets
- powers and roots
- multiply and divide

#" "color(blue)(4(-2))" "color(red)(+5)" "color(green)(+1^2)" "larr# there are #3# terms

#" "= color(blue)(-8)" "color(red)(+5)" "color(green)(+1)#

#" "=-3" "color(green)(+1)#

#" "= -2#