Solve: (400÷(-5)-[-2(93-61)])÷4 | Order of Operations Challenge

Order of Operations with Negative Numbers

Solve the following equation:

400 ⁣:(5)[2(9361)]4= \frac{400\colon(-5)-\lbrack-2(93-61)\rbrack}{4}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:13 Let's begin and think about the steps we'll follow.
00:17 Remember, always calculate the parts in parentheses first.
00:53 When you multiply two negative numbers, you get a positive result.
00:59 Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction.
01:18 And that's how we find the solution. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

400 ⁣:(5)[2(9361)]4= \frac{400\colon(-5)-\lbrack-2(93-61)\rbrack}{4}=

2

Step-by-step solution

We begin by addressing the numerator of the fraction.

First we solve the division exercise and the exercise within the parentheses:

400:(5)=80 400:(-5)=-80

(9361)=32 (93-61)=32

We obtain the following:

80(2×32)4= \frac{-80-(-2\times32)}{4}=

We then solve the parentheses in the numerator of the fraction:

80(64)4= \frac{-80-(-64)}{4}=

Let's remember that a negative times a negative equals a positive:

80+644= \frac{-80+64}{4}=

164=4 \frac{-16}{4}=-4

3

Final Answer

4 -4

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • PEMDAS Rule: Parentheses first, then division, then brackets, finally division
  • Technique: Calculate 400÷(5)=80 400÷(-5) = -80 and (9361)=32 (93-61) = 32 separately first
  • Check: Substitute back: 80(64)4=164=4 \frac{-80-(-64)}{4} = \frac{-16}{4} = -4

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring negative signs in multiplication
    Don't skip the negative signs when calculating -2(32) = -64! Students often write +64 instead of -64, which gives +16 instead of -4. Always track negative signs carefully through each step of PEMDAS.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

\( 12+3\cdot0= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I get confused with all the negative signs?

+

Negative signs can be tricky! Write each step clearly and remember: negative times positive equals negative. So -2 × 32 = -64, not +64.

What does the colon symbol mean in 400÷(-5)?

+

The colon : means division, just like the ÷ symbol. So 400:(5) 400:(-5) is the same as 400÷(5)=80 400÷(-5) = -80 .

How do I handle the double negative in -(-64)?

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A double negative becomes positive! Think of it as: -(-64) = +64. So -80 - (-64) becomes -80 + 64 = -16.

Should I solve the brackets [...] first or the parentheses () first?

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Always work from the innermost parentheses outward. So solve (93-61) first, then use that result in the brackets [-2(32)].

Why is my final answer negative?

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The final answer is negative because 164=4 \frac{-16}{4} = -4 . When you divide a negative number by a positive number, the result is always negative!

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