Question 2 on the MAT0020/24C Beginning Algebra State Exam

Order of Operations (with Grouping and Exponents)

Solution:

Simplify: 

You need to know order of operations:

1)  Parentheses

2)  Exponents

3)  Multiplication/ Division (which ever comes first left to right)

4)  Addition / Subtraction (which ever comes first left to right)

In this problem, the first step would be the parenthesis:

The next step would be exponents:

The next step would be division because it occurs first from left to right:

The next step would be multiplication:

The next step would be subtraction:

The solution is:  -25

Practice Problems for Question 2

Order of Operations (with Grouping and Exponents)

Solutions Below

1.  Simplify: 

a.  224                         b.  35                           c.                                      d.  80

2.  Simplify: 

a.  4                             b.  20                           c.  80                           d.  2

3.  Simplify: 

a.  -33                          b.  66                           c.  -44                          d.  206

4.  Simplify: 

a.  27                           b.  51                           c.  87                           d.  3

Solutions:

1.  d                 2. b                  3.  c                 4.  a