Roman C. answered 09/25/12
Masters of Education Graduate with Mathematics Expertise

Suzette M.
asked 09/22/12i simply need the break down of this math equation
Roman C. answered 09/25/12
Masters of Education Graduate with Mathematics Expertise
Alisa S. answered 09/22/12
K-12, and American Sign Language Tutor
So, here is the Order of Operations you would use to break down the problem.
1. Parenthesis
2. Multiplication and Division
3. Addition and Subtraction
(Note: for future problems, if you have two of the same sign, you just work left to right, as if you were reading a sentence.)
So: 17-2(5-3)
First, do what is in the Parenthesis: 5-3=2
Now you have 17-2 x 2 (when the numbers are bumped up against the parenthesis like that, it always means to multiply), so you do the multiplication next: 17-4
Now do the subraction and you have your answer! 17-4=13
Darlene W. answered 09/22/12
Reading Is Fundamental
You have to do the parentheses first (order of operations) then the other part, i.e. 17-2.
5-3=2 so now it will read 17-2-2= 13
Alisa S.
No problem! It's great that you wanted to help! I just wanted to make sure the student saw the difference between the answers so that in the future, the multiplication portion of that type of equation was clear!
09/23/12
Alisa S.
Darlene, there's a multiplication in there. But because we're talking about two's, you did happen across the correct answer. This would not work for most other answers, though!
09/22/12
Darlene W.
You are correct and I am not a math tutor but just wanted to help a little bit. I was hoping someone such as yourself would explain it more thoroughly and you did a superb job, I might add. My strengths are in reading, grammar, and biology. I probably will stick to these.
09/22/12
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Roman C.
There is an error in my last step (ignored the squaring accidently). it should be 3^3*7/9*3^2+4-2^5 = 27*7/9*9+4-32 = 189+4-32 = 161
10/19/12