Question

What is `-3(1-8)+2^3`?

Answer 1

`-3(1-8)+2^3=29`

Explanation:

The order of operations is given by PEMDAS, which means parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division and addition and subtraction in that order.

Hence, `-3(1-8)+2^3` first solving parentheses

= `-3xx-7+8`, then exponents

= `21+8`, then multiplication and finally addition

= `29`

Answer 2

=`29`

Explanation:

Instead of blindly following the PEDMAS/BODMAS rule which often leads to wrong answers, understand why there is a specific order of operations.

Each term is simplified to a single answer and these are added or subtracted in the last step.

Within a term, do the most powerful operations first (powers and roots) and then the multiplications and divisions.
If a weaker operation is to be done first it is shown in parentheses.

`color(red)(-3(1-8))color(blue)(+2^3)` has 2 terms. Work each separately.

=`color(red)(-3(-7))color(blue)(+8)`

=`color(red)(+21)color(blue)(+8)`

=`29`