se the order of operations to evaluate: −7.6 − 2[9 + (−6.8)]

Let's continue with the given expression step by step.

You have already correctly simplified the parentheses:
\[
9 + (-6.8) = 2.2
\]
Now the expression is:
\[
-7.6 - 2(2.2)
\]

Next, we'll multiply:
\[
2 \times 2.2 = 4.4
\]
So now the expression is:
\[
-7.6 - 4.4
\]

Now, we will perform the subtraction:
\[
-7.6 - 4.4 = -12.0
\]

So, to summarize:
- The next step after simplifying the parentheses was multiplication.
- The simplified expression after multiplication is \(-7.6 - 4.4\).
- The final answer is \(-12.0\).

WRONG

I apologize for any mistakes. Let's re-evaluate the expression step-by-step to ensure we arrive at the correct solution.

The original expression is:
\[
-7.6 - 2[9 + (-6.8)]
\]

1. **Simplify the parentheses**:
\[
9 + (-6.8) = 9 - 6.8 = 2.2
\]
Now the expression is:
\[
-7.6 - 2(2.2)
\]

2. **Apply the multiplication**:
\[
2 \times 2.2 = 4.4
\]
Now the expression is:
\[
-7.6 - 4.4
\]

3. **Perform the subtraction**:
\[
-7.6 - 4.4 = -12.0
\]

So, filling in the blanks:
- Since there are no exponents in this problem, the next step is **multiplication**.
- Simplifying the previous step gives you **\(-7.6 - 4.4\)**.
- The final answer is **\(-12.0\)**.

If there's something specific that's wrong or needs clarification, please let me know!