Q59. - Algebra 1

Question

Tara and Curtis are simplifying $\left[4\left(10\right)-3^2\right]+6\left(4\right)$. Is either of them correct? Explain your reasoning.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The simplification done by Curtis is correct.

Step 1. Apply the BODMAS rule.

According to the BODMAS rule of simplification, at first, the bracket operation must be completed followed division, by multiplication, addition, and finally subtraction.

Step 2. Example of applying BODMAS rule.

The expression $2·5(3-2)-10$ can be written as

 

 $\begin{array}{l}2·5(3-2)-10=2·5\left(1\right)-10\\ =(2\times 5\times 1)-10\\ =10-10\\ =0\end{array}$

Step 3. Description of step.

The correct simplification is,

$\begin{array}{l}\left[4\right(10)-3^2]+6\left(4\right)\\ =[40-9]+24\\ =31+24\\ =55\end{array}$

In the simplification done by Tara, subtraction is done before multiplication, which is violating the BODMAS Rule.

Thus, the simplification of Tara is incorrect.

The simplification of Curtis is correct.