How do you simplify #[ (5+2) -3] 4#?

1 Answer
Apr 13, 2016

16

Explanation:

Consider #(5+2)#. The brackets are grouping these numbers separately from the rest. Thus they may be considered as 1 number that has been partitioned (split into parts). Logically we would combine them again before we do anything else giving:

#color(brown)([(color(blue)(5+2))-3]4 = [color(blue)(7)-3]4)#

Now we have another number that is partitioned. Work out the value inside the brackets
#color(brown)([color(blue)(7-3)]4 = [color(blue)(4)]4)#

But #[4]4# another way of saying #" "4xx4 =16#