Solve the Arithmetic Expression: 2 + 4 - 3

Q: Why can't I just add all the numbers together first?

Because the minus sign means subtraction, not addition! When you see $ 2+4-3 $, the 3 is being subtracted, so you must follow the left-to-right rule.

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

Remember: when you have only addition and subtraction, always work from left to right. Think of it like reading - start at the left and move right!

Q: Can I use parentheses to help me solve this?

Yes! Adding parentheses like $ (2+4)-3 $ can help you see the order clearly. Just remember the parentheses show what you're already supposed to do first.

Q: How do I check if my answer of 3 is correct?

Work backwards! If $ 2+4-3=3 $, then $ 3+3=6 $ and $ 6-2=4 $. This confirms your answer is right!

Q: What's the difference between 2+4-3 and 2+(4-3)?

Great question! $ 2+4-3=3 $ but $ 2+(4-3)=2+1=3 $. They give the same answer, but the parentheses change the order of operations.

Order of Operations with Mixed Addition and Subtraction

$2+4-3=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 We'll solve according to the order of operations, solving from left to right

00:06 Each time we'll solve the leftmost operation and then continue

00:09 And that's the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$2+4-3=$

Step-by-step solution

We solve the exercise from left to right, we place the addition exercise in parentheses and then subtract:

$(2+4)-3=$

$6-3=3$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Left-to-Right Rule: Perform addition and subtraction operations from left to right
Technique: Group operations: $(2+4)-3 = 6-3 = 3$
Check: Verify by working backwards: $3+3 = 6$ and $6-4 = 2$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding all numbers first, then subtracting
Don't calculate 2+4+3=9 then subtract something = wrong approach! This ignores the subtraction sign and treats it as addition. Always follow left-to-right order: first add 2+4=6, then subtract 6-3=3.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$$ 94+12+6= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just add all the numbers together first?

Because the minus sign means subtraction, not addition! When you see $2+4-3$ , the 3 is being subtracted, so you must follow the left-to-right rule.

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

Remember: when you have only addition and subtraction, always work from left to right. Think of it like reading - start at the left and move right!

Can I use parentheses to help me solve this?

Yes! Adding parentheses like $(2+4)-3$ can help you see the order clearly. Just remember the parentheses show what you're already supposed to do first.

How do I check if my answer of 3 is correct?

Work backwards! If $2+4-3=3$ , then $3+3=6$ and $6-2=4$ . This confirms your answer is right!

What's the difference between 2+4-3 and 2+(4-3)?

Great question! $2+4-3=3$ but $2+(4-3)=2+1=3$ . They give the same answer, but the parentheses change the order of operations.

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