Jonathan S.
asked • 05/27/20How does 3,7,12,and 2 equal 20
how does 3 7 12 2 in that order equal 20
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1 Expert Answer
Xuan T. answered • 05/27/20
Tutor
New to Wyzant
Math Tutor for Elemtary/Middle/High School
Hi Jonathan,
For this type of problem, we really just have to experiment the numbers by using PEMDAS.
Tip: Avoid any division unless the answer turn out to be a whole number. Dealing with decimals when the desired answer is a whole number can be troubling and take time.
For example, don't start out the problem by dividing 3 by 7. That would give you a infinite decimal and might not get to a round 20 when combined with other number.
Since 3, 7, 12 and 2 are relatively close to 20, we might want to try addition and subtraction before multiplication and division.
Answer: 3 + 7 + 12 - 2 = 20
Jonathan S.
Wow that is so simple thank you so much I really appreciate it me and my daughter have been stuck on these for so long is there anyway you could help me with those same numbers equaling 52 and 26?
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05/27/20
Xuan T.
I can't think of any equation using the same numbers that would get 52 and 26.
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05/27/20
Jonathan S.
Well it says you may need to use parentheses and/or exponents
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05/27/20
Jonathan S.
Would that make a difference
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05/27/20
Alivia E.
3,7,12,2, to get 45
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09/21/21
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Jonathan S.
PS if you can tell me how it equals 26 and 52 I’d really appreciate it my daughter and me haven’t been able to figure it out this is fifth grade math by the way05/27/20