Insert parentheses to make the statement true.

12 + 6 x 11 - 7 = 72

12 + (6 x 11) - 7 = 72

12 + 6 x (11 - 7) = 72

(12 + 6) x 11 - 7 = 72

(12 + 6) x (11 - 7) = 72

1 answer

Let's evaluate each option to see which one makes the statement true.

  1. 12 + (6 x 11) - 7
    = 12 + 66 - 7
    = 12 + 66 = 78
    = 78 - 7 = 71 (this is not equal to 72)

  2. 12 + 6 x (11 - 7)
    = 12 + 6 x 4
    = 12 + 24 = 36 (this is not equal to 72)

  3. (12 + 6) x 11 - 7
    = 18 x 11 - 7
    = 198 - 7 = 191 (this is not equal to 72)

  4. (12 + 6) x (11 - 7)
    = 18 x 4
    = 72 (this is equal to 72)

The correct option that makes the statement true is (12 + 6) x (11 - 7) = 72.