ORDER OF OPERATIONS: Example 1

Rule 23:: The parenthesis instruct you to simplify the expression within the parenthesis before you proceed. The division symbol has the same role as the parenthesis. It instructs you to treat the quantity above the numerator as if it were enclosed in a parenthesis, and to treat the quantity below the numerator as if it were enclosed in yet another parenthesis.

Example 1: Calculate tex2html_wrap_inline17 .

Answer: The answer is 1.

Solution:

The division symbol takes the place of a parenthesis. Therefore, this problem has two parenthesis that must be removed. The numerator must be simplified, and the denominator must be simplified. The numerator

contains multiplication, division, and addition. Complete the multiplication and division first working with the numbers on either side of the signs in a left-to-right manner.

can be modified to

The denominator contains multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. Complete the multiplication and division first working with the numbers on either side of the signs in a left-to-right manner. can be modified to .

The problem tex2html_wrap_inline17 can now be written tex2html_wrap_inline33 .

If you would like to review more examples, click on the word Example.

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Author: Nancy Marcus