Using 3 7 12 2 in that order how can you get it to equal 26 and 52?

Question

Using 3 7 12 2 in that order how can you get it to equal 26 and 52? It says you may need to use parentheses and/or exponents. This is fifth grade math by the way me and my daughter have been stuck on this.

Answer 1

If you are allowed to introduce any exponents you want, then

3 + [7² x (12⁰2⁰)] = 3 + [49 x 1] = 3 + 49 = 52

{3 + [7² x (12⁰)]} / 2 = {3 + 49}/2 = 52/2 = 26

Not sure if this is the type of solution you had in mind, but here it is for your consideration.