multiple action probs

momsadummy

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Sep 6, 2005
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2
Please help!

son in 5th grade having trouble with multiple action probs ex:
[(6+8)x3-12]+6=

does he do the 6+8 get a total; first then the x3 get a total; then -12 get a total then +6 ?

I always thought you did the items in the () first then the remainder of the probs in the [], but he says to do the multiplication first, who's right?
 
Is the "x" a variable, or is it meant to be a "times" symbol? If it is a variable, is the "3" following it the exponent?

In general, one simplifies inside parentheses, applies exponents, multiplies and divides, and then adds and subtracts. So if the expression is as follows:

. . . . .[ (6 + 8) × 3 - 12] + 6

...then one would combine the 6 and the 8 first, then multiply the 3 in, then subtract the 12, and then add the outer 6.

Eliz.
 
yes do the parts within the brackets first (work from the inner set outwards).

Brackets first, multiply/division next then addition/subtraction.
Well done on the correct order.
 
thanks

yes - it is a "times" symbol. He'll be so releived to have the help

thanks alot!
 
Re: thanks

momsadummy said:
yes - it is a "times" symbol. He'll be so releived to have the help thanks alot!

Next time, show "times" using symbol *; like 5 * 6 = 30.

And don't forget that [] brackets DO NOT always come before () brackets;
as pka says, ALWAYS start with the most INNER bracket.


See if you can follow this : most inner is (3 + 1):

3 * (5 * (2 * (3 + 1) + 5) + 4)

3 * (5 * (2 * 4 + 5) + 4)

3 * (5 * 13 + 4)

3 * 65 + 4

195 + 4

199

Ok, mom?
 
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