According to the order of operations, expressions inside parentheses are evaluated before division. For the given expression, this means evaluating the expression inside the square brackets completely before division.
36.8 Ă· [11.5-(2.5 * 3)]^2
Notice also that even within this parenthetical expression, we must obey the order of operations.
11.5-(2.5* 3)
For this, we must remember to evaluate the expression inside the parenthesis first and then the difference.
Operation
Before Simplification
After Simplification
Multiply
36.8 Ă· [11.5-( 2.5 * 3)]^2
36.8 Ă· [11.5- 7.5]^2
Subtract term
36.8 Ă· [ 11.5- 7.5]^2
36.8 Ă· [ 4]^2
Calculate power
36.8 Ă· [4]^2
36.8 Ă· 16
Divide
36.8 Ă· 16
2.3
The expression equals 2.3.
Alternative Solution
Using a Calculator
We can also evaluate this expression using a calculator. To do so, type it as shown below.
