|4-9| + 2(5) / (-3)^2

Question

Abosulte value Evaluate

Answer 1

Hi Heather,

Break the problem down into simpler pieces.

1.) Evaluate the absolute value first: 4-9 = -5 but the absolute value removes the negative sign so |4-9|=5

2.) 2(5) = 10

3.) (-3)^2 = (-3)(-3) = 9 because the negatives cancel

4.) evaluate 2(5)/(-3)^2 = 10/9

5.) Put it all together and do the final steps: |4-9| + 2(5)/(-3)^2 = 5 + 10/9.

6.) You need to find the least common denominator, which is 9 so use the fact that 5 = 5(1). The (1) is called the implied 1 because its always there but we don't have to write it out. Well, 1 = 9/9 and 5*9 = 45/

7.) And finally we have 45/9 + 10/9 = 55/9