According to the order of operations, expressions inside parentheses are evaluated before division. For the given expression, this means evaluating the expression inside the parentheses and square brackets completely before division.
(1.5-0.5^2) Ă· [(3+2) * 2]
Notice also that even within parenthetical expressions, we must obey the order of operations. For our expressions, we must remember to evaluate expression inside parentheses first, then the exponent, the multiplication next, and finally the difference.
Operation
Before Simplification
After Simplification
Add terms
(1.5-0.5^2) Ă· [( 3+ 2) * 2]
(1.5-0.5^2) Ă· [ 5 * 2]
Calculate power
(1.5-0.5^2) Ă· [5 * 2]
(1.5- 0.25) Ă· [5 * 2]
Multiply
(1.5-0.25) Ă· [ 5 * 2]
(1.5-0.25) Ă· 10
Subtract term
( 1.5- 0.25) Ă· 10
1.25 Ă· 10
Divide
1.25 Ă· 10
0.125
The expression equals 0.125.
Alternative Solution
Using a Calculator
We can also evaluate this expression using a calculator. To do so, type it as shown below.
