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Due to the fact that the exercise only involves addition and subtraction operations, we will solve it from left to right:
\( 8 - 2 + 6 = \)
Because order matters in arithmetic! The expression must be calculated left to right. If you group them as (14+7+2)-(5+9) = 23-14 = 9, you get the right answer by luck, but this method doesn't always work.
Write down every single step! Going from straight to the answer is risky. Show: 14-5=9, then 9-9=0, then 0+7=7, then 7+2=9.
You can mentally group some operations, but always follow left-to-right order. For example: 14-5=9, then notice 9-9=0, so you only need 0+7+2=9. But never skip the systematic approach until you're very confident!
Go back and check each step carefully. Common errors include: mixing up signs, calculating out of order, or making basic arithmetic mistakes. Double-check each subtraction and addition individually.
No parentheses needed! When you only have addition and subtraction, the left-to-right rule is clear. Parentheses would only be necessary if you wanted to change the natural order of operations.
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