According to the order of operations, expressions inside parentheses are evaluated first, while addition and subtraction are evaluated last. For the given expression, this means completely evaluating the expression inside the parentheses first.
7+( 2^2 - 3^2)
Notice also that even within this parenthetical expression, we must obey the order of operations.
2^2-3^2
For this, we must remember to evaluate the exponents before we calculate the difference between their results.
Operation
Before Simplification
After Simplification
Calculate power
7+( 2^2 - 3^2)
7+( 4 - 9)
Subtract term
7+( 4 - 9)
7+( - 5)
a+(- b)=a-b
7 +( - 5)
7 - 5
Subtract term
7- 5
2
The expression equals 2.
Alternative Solution
Using a Calculator
We can also evaluate this expression using a calculator. To do so, type it as shown below.
