Q61. - Algebra 1

Question

Write an expression using the whole numbers 1 to 5 using all five digits and addition and/or subtraction to create a numeric expression with a value of 3.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

$\left(5-4\right)+\left(3-2\right)+1$

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  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.

A number of possible expressions can be written using the whole numbers 1 to 5 giving the value of 3. A few results are shown below:

1. $\begin{array}{c}\left(5-4\right)+\left(3-2\right)+1=1+1+1\\ =3\end{array}$
   
2. $\begin{array}{c}1+\left(5+3\right)-\left(4+2\right)=1+8-6\\ =9-6\\ =3\end{array}$
   
3. $\begin{array}{c}\left(1+5\right)-\left(4+2\right)+3=6-6+3\\ =3\end{array}$
   
4. $\begin{array}{c}\left(5-2\right)+\left(4-3\right)-1=3+1-1\\ =3\end{array}$