Solve the Arithmetic Expression: 15-4+3 Step by Step

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

Because order matters in math! When operations have the same priority (like addition and subtraction), you must work from left to right. Changing the order changes your answer.

Q: What if I accidentally got 8 as my answer?

You probably calculated $4 + 3 = 7$ first, then $15 - 7 = 8$. Remember: left to right means do $15 - 4$ first!

Q: Is there a way to remember the left-to-right rule?

Think of it like reading a book - you read from left to right! When addition and subtraction are mixed together, treat them the same way you read text.

Q: What would happen if there were parentheses in this problem?

Parentheses would change everything! You'd solve what's inside the parentheses first, then work left to right with the remaining operations.

Q: How can I double-check my work?

Use a calculator or recalculate step by step: Write $15 - 4 = 11$, then $11 + 3 = 14$. If you get the same answer, you're correct!

Order of Operations with Mixed Subtraction

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

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Understand the problem

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

Step-by-step solution

First, subtract 4 from 15 to get 11.

$15 - 4 = 11$

Then, add 3 to 11 to get 14.

$11 + 3 = 14$

Final Answer

$14$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Work from left to right for addition and subtraction
Technique: Calculate 15 - 4 = 11, then 11 + 3
Check: Verify by recalculating: 15 - 4 + 3 = 11 + 3 = 14 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Calculating addition before subtraction
Don't calculate 4 + 3 = 7 first, then 15 - 7 = 8! This gives a wrong answer because you're not following the left-to-right rule for operations of equal priority. Always work from left to right when you have only addition and subtraction.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following equation:

$12+7-5\text{ }=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

Because order matters in math! When operations have the same priority (like addition and subtraction), you must work from left to right. Changing the order changes your answer.

What if I accidentally got 8 as my answer?

You probably calculated $4 + 3 = 7$ first, then $15 - 7 = 8$ . Remember: left to right means do $15 - 4$ first!

Is there a way to remember the left-to-right rule?

Think of it like reading a book - you read from left to right! When addition and subtraction are mixed together, treat them the same way you read text.

What would happen if there were parentheses in this problem?

Parentheses would change everything! You'd solve what's inside the parentheses first, then work left to right with the remaining operations.

How can I double-check my work?

Use a calculator or recalculate step by step: Write $15 - 4 = 11$ , then $11 + 3 = 14$ . If you get the same answer, you're correct!

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