Gavin D.

asked • 07/24/17

What should be done first to evaluate 12÷(-6)(3)+(-2)

I need help
 

1 Expert Answer

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Kathy M. answered • 07/24/17

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Parentheses first
Exponents second
Multiplication &
Division third left to right
Addition & 
Subtraction last left to right
 
PEMDAS
 
12÷(-6)(3)+(-2)  
division 1st (moving left to right)
 
-2(3) + -2
multiplication next
 
-6 + -2
addition last
 
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Arturo O.

Kathy,
 
I agree 100% with your solution, as it follows PEMDAS.  But there have been postings to similar problems where some tutors would multiply (-6)(3) = -18, and then do 12÷(-18).  I agree with the left to right order which makes this equivalent to
 
[12÷(-6)] (3) + (-2) = (-2)(3) - 2 = -6 - 2 = -8
 
But do not be surprised if someone insists it should be executed as
 
12÷[(-6)(3)] + (-2) = [12÷(-18)] + (-2)
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07/24/17

Arturo O.

In other words, not all use PEMDAS, and some that do interpret it differently.
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07/24/17

Kathy M.

Arturo, Thanks for the heads up. I have seen some of these arguments online. 
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07/24/17

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