Simple PEMDAS that I can't figure out...

Question

I need to know the steps of the following problem:

l6-8l + 3 / 3 x 4² - 2

(So, that's 6-8 between 2 lines plus 3 divided by 3 times 4 squared minus 2). I keep getting 12, but the answer key says the answer is 16.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi there,

l6-8l + 3 / 3 x 4² - 2

First evaluate the absolute value portion; |6-8| = 2

Then 2 + 3/3 x 4² - 2. Now evaluate the power (4² = 16)

2 + 3/3 x 16 - 2

Then 3/3 is equivalent to 1:

2 + 1 x 16 -2

Multiply:

2 + 16 - 2

Now add , then subtract:

18 -2 = 16