Question

How do you simplify `1-7-(2*2 ) + 6*2`?

Answer 1

The problem here is to get the proper order of operations.
A mnemonic: PEDMAS, which should probably be written PE(DM)(AS), is often offered as a way to remember the order.

1. Anything inside Parentheses
   2.Exponentiation
   3.Division and Multiplication
   4.Addition and Subtraction
   When multiple operation are at the same level, the order is from left to right

`1-7-(2*2)+6*2`

Evaluate contents of parentheses
`=1-7-4+6*2`

There are no Exponents,
so go on to Division and Multiplication
(there is only one)
`=1-7-4+12`

We are only left with Addition and Subtraction
which are operations at the same level so they are performed
from Left to Right
`=(-6)-4+12`

`=(-10)+12`

`= 2`

Answer 2

`2`

Explanation:

Count the number of terms. Each term must simplify to give a single answer which will be added or subtracted in the LAST line.

`color(red)(1)color(blue)(-7)color(magenta)(-(2xx2))color(green)(+6xx2)" there are 4 terms"`

=`color(red)(1)color(blue)(-7)color(magenta)(-4)color(green)(+12)`

It is probably easier to re-arrange the terms with the additions first

=`color(red)(1)color(green)(+12)color(blue)(-7)color(magenta)(-4)`

=`2`