Solve the Expression: 12:4-3+3×3 Using Order of Operations

Order of Operations with Mixed Division

12:43+3×3= 12:4-3+3\times3=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction, so we'll start with them
00:13 Let's first solve the exercises we marked
00:23 Addition and subtraction are at the same level, so we solve from left to right
00:28 Let's solve the exercise we marked
00:31 We're left with a simple subtraction exercise
00:34 That's the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

12:43+3×3= 12:4-3+3\times3=

2

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, we place the multiplication and division exercise in parentheses:

(12:4)3+(3×3)= (12:4)-3+(3\times3)=

We solve the exercises in parentheses:

12:4=3 12:4=3

3×3=9 3\times3=9

And we obtain the exercise:

33+9= 3-3+9=

According to the order of operations, we solve the exercise from left to right:

33=0 3-3=0

0+9=9 0+9=9

3

Final Answer

9

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • PEMDAS: Division and multiplication first, then addition and subtraction left to right
  • Technique: Group operations: (12:4)3+(3×3)=33+9 (12:4)-3+(3\times3) = 3-3+9
  • Check: Work left to right after division/multiplication: 3-3=0, then 0+9=9 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Solving from left to right without considering order of operations
    Don't solve 12:4-3+3×3 as ((12:4-3)+3)×3 = wrong answer! This ignores that multiplication and division come before addition and subtraction. Always do all multiplication and division first, then work left to right.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 8 + 3 \times 2 = \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I multiply 3×3 before subtracting 3?

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PEMDAS rules! Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. So you must calculate 3×3=9 3\times3=9 first, even though it appears at the end.

What does the colon (:) mean in math?

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The colon (:) means division! So 12:4 12:4 is the same as 12÷4 12÷4 or 124 \frac{12}{4} . All three symbols mean divide.

Can I use parentheses to help me solve this?

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Absolutely! Adding parentheses around multiplication and division helps: (12:4)3+(3×3) (12:4)-3+(3\times3) . This makes it clearer which operations to do first.

Why don't I get 18 as the answer?

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Getting 18 means you probably did 12:43+3×3=3×6=18 12:4-3+3\times3 = 3\times6 = 18 . But you can't multiply everything by 3! Remember to follow order of operations step by step.

What if I solve left to right and get 0?

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If you got 0, you likely did 12:43+3=33+3=3 12:4-3+3 = 3-3+3 = 3 , forgetting the final ×3 \times3 . Always double-check you've included every number and operation!

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