Given the expression (4 × (10 + 17)2) / 5, which mathematical operation should be performed first to arrive at the correct answer?

Answer 1

To solve the expression \((4 × (10 + 17)^2) / 5\), we should follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

1. Parentheses: The first operation to perform is inside the parentheses. We calculate \(10 + 17\). \[ 10 + 17 = 27 \]

2. Exponents: Next, we handle the exponent. We need to calculate \(27^2\). \[ 27^2 = 729 \]

3. Multiplication: After that, we multiply by 4. Now we have: \[ 4 × 729 \]

4. Division: Finally, we divide by 5. The expression now reads: \[ (4 × 729) / 5 \]

So, the first operation to perform in order to arrive at the correct answer is the calculation inside the parentheses, which is \(10 + 17\).