According to the order of operations, the expression in the parentheses is calculated first.
1/2 ( 4^3 - 6* 3^2 )
For this, we must remember to first evaluate the expression in parentheses, which includes evaluating the exponents first, followed by the multiplication and then the subtraction. After we calculate the expression in the parentheses, we can finally multiply.
Operation
Before Simplification
After Simplification
Calculate power
1/2 ( 4^3 - 6* 3^2 )
1/2 ( 64 - 6* 9 )
Multiply
1/2 ( 64 - 6* 9 )
1/2 ( 64 - 54 )
Subtract
1/2 ( 64 - 54 )
1/2 ( 10 )
Multiply
1/2 ( 10 )
5
The expression equals 5.
Alternative Solution
Using a Calculator
We can also evaluate this expression using a calculator. To do so, type it as shown below.
