Solve the Arithmetic Expression: 15 - 3 + 4

Q: Why can't I just add 3 + 4 first since addition is easier?

Because order matters in mathematics! Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so you must work from left to right. Changing the order changes the meaning of the expression.

Q: What if I get confused about which operation to do first?

Remember PEMDAS/BODMAS! Since there are no parentheses, exponents, or multiplication/division here, just work left to right with your addition and subtraction.

Q: Is 15 - 3 + 4 the same as 15 - (3 + 4)?

No! Without parentheses, you get 15 - 3 + 4 = 16. With parentheses, you get 15 - (3 + 4) = 15 - 7 = 8. Parentheses completely change the problem!

Q: How can I double-check my work?

Work through it step by step: $ 15 - 3 = 12 $, then $ 12 + 4 = 16 $. You can also use a calculator to verify your final answer.

Q: What if I see more numbers in a row like this?

The same rule applies! Always work left to right when you have only addition and subtraction. Take it one step at a time and you'll get the right answer.

Order of Operations with Mixed Addition and Subtraction

Solve:

$15 - 3 + 4 \text{ }=$

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Step-by-step written solution

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Understand the problem

Solve:

$15 - 3 + 4 \text{ }=$

Step-by-step solution

First, solve the subtraction:

$15 - 3 = 12$

Then add the result to the next number:

$12 + 4 = 16$

Therefore,

$15 - 3 + 4 = 16$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Work from left to right with addition and subtraction
Technique: First calculate 15 - 3 = 12, then 12 + 4 = 16
Check: Verify each step: 15 - 3 = 12, then 12 + 4 = 16 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding before subtracting regardless of position
Don't calculate 3 + 4 = 7 first, then 15 - 7 = 8! This ignores left-to-right order and gives the wrong answer. Always work from left to right when operations have equal priority.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 8 - 2 + 6 = $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add 3 + 4 first since addition is easier?

Because order matters in mathematics! Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so you must work from left to right. Changing the order changes the meaning of the expression.

What if I get confused about which operation to do first?

Remember PEMDAS/BODMAS! Since there are no parentheses, exponents, or multiplication/division here, just work left to right with your addition and subtraction.

Is 15 - 3 + 4 the same as 15 - (3 + 4)?

No! Without parentheses, you get 15 - 3 + 4 = 16. With parentheses, you get 15 - (3 + 4) = 15 - 7 = 8. Parentheses completely change the problem!

How can I double-check my work?

Work through it step by step: $15 - 3 = 12$ , then $12 + 4 = 16$ . You can also use a calculator to verify your final answer.

What if I see more numbers in a row like this?

The same rule applies! Always work left to right when you have only addition and subtraction. Take it one step at a time and you'll get the right answer.

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