Evaluate the Expression: 4 + 8 - 5 Step by Step

Q: Why can't I do 8 - 5 first since it's easier?

Even though $ 8 - 5 = 3 $ and $ 4 + 3 = 7 $ gives the same answer here, this won't always work! The order matters in math, so always follow left-to-right for same-level operations.

Q: What if there were parentheses in the problem?

Great question! Parentheses always come first in order of operations. For example, $ 4 + (8 - 5) $ would mean do the subtraction first, giving $ 4 + 3 = 7 $.

Q: How do I remember the order of operations?

Use PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Since this problem only has addition and subtraction, work left to right!

Q: What's the difference between this and 4 + 8 × 5?

With multiplication, you'd do $ 8 \times 5 = 40 $ first (multiplication before addition), then $ 4 + 40 = 44 $. But with same-level operations like + and -, always go left to right.

Order of Operations with Mixed Addition and Subtraction

$4 + 8 - 5 =$

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Understand the problem

$4 + 8 - 5 =$

Step-by-step solution

Perform the addition operation first:

$4 + 8 = 12$

Then subtract 5 from the result:

$12 - 5 = 7$

Therefore, the correct answer is:

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Work left to right when operations have equal priority
Technique: First calculate 4 + 8 = 12, then 12 - 5 = 7
Check: Verify by working backwards: 7 + 5 = 12, and 12 - 4 = 8 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Doing subtraction before addition
Don't calculate 8 - 5 = 3 first, then 4 + 3 = 7! This ignores left-to-right order and can give wrong results in other problems. Always work left to right when addition and subtraction appear together.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following equation:

$12+7-5\text{ }=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I do 8 - 5 first since it's easier?

Even though $8 - 5 = 3$ and $4 + 3 = 7$ gives the same answer here, this won't always work! The order matters in math, so always follow left-to-right for same-level operations.

What if there were parentheses in the problem?

Great question! Parentheses always come first in order of operations. For example, $4 + (8 - 5)$ would mean do the subtraction first, giving $4 + 3 = 7$ .

How do I remember the order of operations?

Use PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Since this problem only has addition and subtraction, work left to right!

What's the difference between this and 4 + 8 × 5?

With multiplication, you'd do $8 \times 5 = 40$ first (multiplication before addition), then $4 + 40 = 44$ . But with same-level operations like + and -, always go left to right.

Can I use a calculator for problems like this?

Yes, but make sure your calculator follows order of operations! Most modern calculators do, but it's still important to understand the steps so you can solve problems by hand when needed.

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