Consider the expression [15+(−5)]+6/2 . What is the result of the first simplification that would need to take place, according to the order of operations?(1 point)

1 answer

To simplify the expression \([15 + (-5)] + 6 / 2\) according to the order of operations (often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS/BODMAS), we follow this sequence:

  1. Parentheses/Brackets: We first handle any expressions inside parentheses or brackets.
  2. Exponents/Orders: Next, we deal with any exponents or orders.
  3. Multiplication and Division: Then we perform multiplication and division from left to right.
  4. Addition and Subtraction: Finally, we carry out addition and subtraction from left to right.

Looking at the expression, we see that the first step involves evaluating the expression inside the brackets: \([15 + (-5)]\).

Therefore, the first simplification that needs to take place is:

\[ 15 + (-5) \]

This would result in \(10\). Thus, the answer is the calculation of \(15 + (-5)\) as the first simplification according to the order of operations.