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 the expression inside the square brackets completely before evaluating the exponent.
[9Ă· 3+4]^2
Notice also that even within this parenthetical expression, we must obey the order of operations.
9Ă· 3+4
For this, we must remember to evaluate the division first, the addition next, and finally the exponent.
Operation
Before Simplification
After Simplification
Calculate quotient
[9Ă· 3+4]^2
[ 3+4]^2
Add terms
[ 3+ 4]^2
[ 7]^2
Calculate power
[7]^2
49
The expression equals 49.
Alternative Solution
Using a Calculator
We can also evaluate this expression using a calculator. To do so, type it as shown below.
