Solve 25-(34-(20-8)): Order of Operations with Nested Parentheses

Nested Parentheses with Multiple Operations

25(34(208))= 25-(34-(20-8))=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 We always solve parentheses first, the rule applies even within parentheses
00:07 Therefore we'll calculate these parentheses first
00:12 Now we can calculate the outer parentheses
00:18 And now we can solve
00:23 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

25(34(208))= 25-(34-(20-8))=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's begin by remembering the order of arithmetic operations: calculation of the operation within parentheses, multiplication and division (from left to right), addition and subtraction (from left to right)

We must also underline that when there are parentheses within parentheses, we should start with the innermost first.

25(34(208))= 25-(34-(20-8))=

In this exercise, there are only subtraction operations and parentheses within parentheses.

Therefore, we will first perform the operation of the inner parentheses. After which we will be able to remove the inner parentheses and will be left with only one pair of parentheses.

25(34(208))=25(34(12)) 25-(34-(20-8))=25-(34-(12))
Keep in mind

What happens when there is a sequence of two signs present in the exercise (these are usually separated by parentheses) Let's highlight several different cases:

When a sequence with two plus signs appears, the result will also be a plus.

When a sequence with two minus signs appears, the result will also be a plus.

When a sequence with minus and plus signs or plus and minus signs appears, the result will be minus.

25(34(12))=25(3412) 25-(34-(12))=25-(34-12)
Now we will perform the operation of the remaining parentheses and after the calculation, we will remove the parentheses.

25(3412)=25(22) 25-(34-12)=25-(22)

25(22)=2522=3 25-(22)=25-22=3

Therefore, the correct answer is option c: (3)

3

Final Answer

3 3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Always work from innermost parentheses outward first
  • Technique: Calculate (20-8)=12, then (34-12)=22, finally 25-22=3
  • Check: Verify each step: 12→22→3 gives final answer 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Working left to right without considering parentheses hierarchy
    Don't calculate 25-34 first = -9! This ignores the nested structure and leads to completely wrong answers. Always start with the deepest (innermost) parentheses and work your way out.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 100-(5+55)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which parentheses to solve first?

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Always start with the innermost (deepest) parentheses first! In 25(34(208)) 25-(34-(20-8)) , solve (20-8) first because it's nested deepest inside.

What happens when I remove parentheses?

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After solving what's inside, you can remove those parentheses completely. So (20-8) becomes 12, and your expression becomes simpler: 25(3412) 25-(34-12)

Why is the answer positive when I'm subtracting larger numbers?

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The nested structure changes everything! You're not doing 25-34. You're doing 25-(result of inner calculation). Since 34-12=22, you get 25-22=3, which is positive.

Can I just ignore the parentheses and work left to right?

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No! Parentheses change the order of operations completely. Without following the nested structure, you'll get the wrong answer every time.

How can I check if my answer is right?

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Work through each step carefully and write down each result: (20-8)=12, then (34-12)=22, finally 25-22=3. Each step should make sense!

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