Solve the multi-step problem 3/9 x 12)^2 - (2-3)^3

1 answer

To solve this multi-step problem, we need to follow the order of operations, which is parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division (from left to right), and addition/subtraction (from left to right).

First, let's simplify within the parentheses:
(3/9 x 12)^2 - (2-3)^3
(1/3 x 12)^2 - (-1)^3

Next, let's simplify the multiplication and exponentiation:
(1/3 x 12)^2 - (-1)^3
(4)^2 - (-1)^3

Now, let's simplify the exponentiation and perform the subtraction:
(4)^2 - (-1)^3
16 - (-1)

Finally, let's perform the subtraction:
16 - (-1) = 16 + 1 = 17

Therefore, the solution to the multi-step problem is 17.