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First, add 5 and 9 to get 14.
Then, subtract 3 from 14 to get 11.
\( 8 - 2 + 6 = \)
Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so we work left-to-right just like reading! This rule becomes crucial when you have longer expressions with multiple operations.
You'd get 5 + 6 = 11, which happens to be the same answer! But this method is incorrect and will cause problems in more complex expressions. Always follow proper order.
For expressions with only addition and subtraction, always work from left to right. Think of it like reading a sentence - start at the left and work your way across!
Yes! Add back what you subtracted: 11 + 3 = 14. Then subtract what you originally added: 14 - 9 = 5. You should get back to your starting number!
The same rule applies! Whether it's or , always work from left to right when operations have equal priority.
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