Solve 12+3×0: Order of Operations Practice Problem

Q: Why doesn't the whole expression equal zero?

Many students think multiplying by zero makes everything zero, but that's not true! Only the part being multiplied becomes zero. Here, $ 3 \times 0 = 0 $, but we still add this to 12.

Q: What if I calculated left to right and got 0?

Working left to right ignores the order of operations! You must do multiplication before addition, regardless of position. Always follow PEMDAS/BODMAS rules.

Q: How do I remember to multiply first?

Remember PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Multiplication always comes before addition!

Q: What's the difference between 12+3×0 and (12+3)×0?

Huge difference! Without parentheses: $ 12 + 3 \times 0 = 12 + 0 = 12 $. With parentheses: $ (12 + 3) \times 0 = 15 \times 0 = 0 $. Parentheses change everything!

Q: Why is this type of problem important?

These problems test if you truly understand order of operations. Getting comfortable with zero multiplication while following PEMDAS builds strong foundational skills for algebra and beyond.

Order of Operations with Zero Multiplication

Solve the following exercise:

$12+3\cdot0=$

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

$12+3\cdot0=$

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, we first multiply and then add:

$12+(3\cdot0)=$

$3\times0=0$

$12+0=12$

Final Answer

$12$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Always multiply before adding (PEMDAS/BODMAS order)
Technique: Calculate $3 \times 0 = 0$ first, then $12 + 0$
Check: Final answer should be 12, not 0 or 15 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding before multiplying
Don't calculate 12 + 3 = 15, then multiply by 0 to get 0! This ignores the order of operations and gives completely wrong results. Always follow PEMDAS: multiply 3 × 0 first, then add to 12.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 0+0.2+0.6= $$ ?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why doesn't the whole expression equal zero?

Many students think multiplying by zero makes everything zero, but that's not true! Only the part being multiplied becomes zero. Here, $3 \times 0 = 0$ , but we still add this to 12.

What if I calculated left to right and got 0?

Working left to right ignores the order of operations! You must do multiplication before addition, regardless of position. Always follow PEMDAS/BODMAS rules.

How do I remember to multiply first?

Remember PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right). Multiplication always comes before addition!

What's the difference between 12+3×0 and (12+3)×0?

Huge difference! Without parentheses: $12 + 3 \times 0 = 12 + 0 = 12$ . With parentheses: $(12 + 3) \times 0 = 15 \times 0 = 0$ . Parentheses change everything!

Why is this type of problem important?

These problems test if you truly understand order of operations. Getting comfortable with zero multiplication while following PEMDAS builds strong foundational skills for algebra and beyond.

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