Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core, 2011
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Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core, 2011 View details
2. Order of Operations and Evaluating Expressions
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Exercise 40 Page 14

Pay close attention to the order of operations.

6.875

Practice makes perfect

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 evaluating completely the expressions inside the numerator and the denominator before calculating the fraction. 22+1^3+(3^4 - 7^2)/2^3Notice also that even within the numerator, we must obey the order of operations. 22+1^3+(3^4 - 7^2) For this, we must remember to evaluate the exponents first, the difference inside parentheses next, and finally, the sum of the resulting terms.

Operation Before Simplification After Simplification
Calculate power 22+ 1^3+( 3^4 - 7^2)/2^3 22+ 1+( 81 - 49)/8
Subtract term 22+1+( 81 - 49)/8 22+1+ 32/8
Add terms 22+ 1+32/8 23 + 32/8
Add terms 23 + 32/8 55/8
Calculate quotient 55/8 6.875

The expression equals 6.875.

Alternative Solution

Using a Calculator
We can also evaluate this expression using a calculator. To do so, type it as shown below.