Use the order of operations to simplify the following expression: 12−8÷4+[(6+2)−3]2 x 3


Correct Answer: 1 point

Show Work: 1 point

(2 points)

1 answer

Let's simplify the expression step by step, using the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS: Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)).

The expression is: \[ 12 - 8 \div 4 + [(6 + 2) - 3] \cdot 2 \cdot 3 \]

  1. Parentheses/Brackets:

    • Simplify \( (6 + 2) \): \[ 6 + 2 = 8 \]
    • Now the expression looks like: \[ 12 - 8 \div 4 + [8 - 3] \cdot 2 \cdot 3 \]
    • Next, simplify \( [8 - 3] \): \[ 8 - 3 = 5 \]
    • Now it becomes: \[ 12 - 8 \div 4 + 5 \cdot 2 \cdot 3 \]
  2. Exponents:

    • There are no exponents to simplify.
  3. Multiplication and Division (from left to right):

    • First, tackle \( 8 \div 4 \): \[ 8 \div 4 = 2 \]
    • Now the expression becomes: \[ 12 - 2 + 5 \cdot 2 \cdot 3 \]
    • Next, calculate \( 5 \cdot 2 \): \[ 5 \cdot 2 = 10 \]
    • Multiply \( 10 \cdot 3 \): \[ 10 \cdot 3 = 30 \]
    • Now the expression is: \[ 12 - 2 + 30 \]
  4. Addition and Subtraction (from left to right):

    • First, perform \( 12 - 2 \): \[ 12 - 2 = 10 \]
    • Then, add \( 10 + 30 \): \[ 10 + 30 = 40 \]

So, the simplified result of the expression is: \[ \boxed{40} \]