Basic Math & Pre-Algebra All-in-One For Dummies (+ Chapter Quizzes Online)
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Evaluate all multiplication and division from left to right.
Begin evaluating a mixed-operator expression by underlining all the multiplication or division in the problem.
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Evaluate addition and subtraction from left to right.
Sample question
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What’s –15 x 3 / –5 – (–3) x –4?
–3. Start by underlining all the multiplication and division in the problem; then evaluate all multiplication and division from left to right:
–15 x 3 / –5 – (–3) x –4
= –45 / –5 – (–3) x –4
= 9 – (–3) x –4
= 9 – 12
Finish up by evaluating the addition and subtraction from left to right:
= –3
Practice questions
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Evaluate 8 – 3 x 4 / 6 + 1.
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Find 10 x 5 – (–3) x 8 / –2.
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–19 – 7 x 3 + –20 / 4 – 8 = ?
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What’s 60 / –10 – (–2) + 11 x 8 / 2?
Following are the answers to the practice questions:
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8 – 3 x 4 / 6 / 1 = 7.
Start by underlining and evaluating all multiplication and division from left to right:
8 – 3 x 4 / 6 / 1
= 8 – 12 / 6 + 1
= 8 – 2 + 1
Now evaluate all addition and subtraction from left to right:
= 6 + 1 = 7
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10 x 5 – (–3) x 8 / –2 = 38.
Start by underlining and evaluating all multiplication and division from left to right:
10 x 5 – (–3) x 8 / –2
= 50 – (–3) x 8 / –2
= 50 – (–24) / –2
= 50 –12
Now evaluate the subtraction:
= 38
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–19 – 7 x 3 + –20 / 4 – 8 = –53.
Start by underlining and evaluating all multiplication and division from left to right:
–19 – 7 x 3 + –20 / 4 – 8
= –19 – 21 + –20 / 4 – 8
= –19 – 21 + –5 – 8
Then evaluate all addition and subtraction from left to right:
= –40 + –5 – 8 = –45 – 8 = –53
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60 / –10 – (–2) + 11 x 8 / 2 = 40.
Start by underlining and evaluating all multiplication and division from left to right:
60 / –10 – (–2) + 11 x 8 / 2
= –6 – (–2) + 11 x 8 / 2
= –6 – (–2) + 88 / 2
= –6 – (–2) + 44
Now evaluate all addition and subtraction from left to right:
= –4 + 44 = 40