Connect with knowledgeable experts and enthusiasts on IDNLearn.com. Our platform offers detailed and accurate responses from experts, helping you navigate any topic with confidence.

According to the rules for the order of operations, what should be the first step when simplifying the expression: [tex]\left[5+2(7)+3^2\right] \div 2 \cdot 6[/tex]?

A. Add 5 and 2
B. Multiply 2 and 6
C. Square the 3
D. Multiply 2 and 7


Sagot :

To simplify the expression [tex]\(\left[5 + 2(7) + 3^2\right] \div 2 \cdot 6\)[/tex], we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS):

1. Parentheses
2. Exponents
3. Multiplication and Division (left-to-right)
4. Addition and Subtraction (left-to-right)

Let's apply these rules step-by-step:

1. Expression inside the brackets: [tex]\(\left[5 + 2(7) + 3^2\right]\)[/tex]

Before we can simplify addition of 5 and [tex]\(2(7)\)[/tex], we need to handle the exponent first because exponents come before multiplication and addition.

2. Exponents: The exponent in the expression is [tex]\(3^2\)[/tex], which equals 9.

Therefore, the first step is to square the 3 resulting in [tex]\(3^2 = 9\)[/tex].