Solve the Expression: 12+6-4+18-12 Step by Step

Arithmetic Operations with Left-to-Right Evaluation

12+64+1812= 12+6-4+18-12=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Addition and subtraction are at the same level according to the order of operations hierarchy, so we solve from left to right
00:13 Continue to solve from left to right
00:16 We can use the associative property in order to simplify the calculation
00:21 We're left with a simple addition problem
00:23 That's the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

12+64+1812= 12+6-4+18-12=

2

Step-by-step solution

Due to the fact that the exercise only involves addition and subtraction operations, we will solve it from left to right:

12+6=18 12+6=18

184=14 18-4=14

14+18=32 14+18=32

3212=20 32-12=20

3

Final Answer

20 20

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Solve addition and subtraction operations from left to right
  • Technique: Work step by step: 12+6=18, then 18-4=14, continue
  • Check: Verify final answer by re-calculating: 32-12=20 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Adding all positive numbers first, then subtracting negatives
    Don't calculate 12+6+18=36 then subtract 4+12=16 to get 20! This ignores the order of operations and can lead to wrong answers in more complex problems. Always work from left to right when you only have addition and subtraction.

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 all the positive numbers first?

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While it works for this problem, it creates bad habits! In expressions like 105+3 10-5+3 , grouping gives 10+35=8 10+3-5=8 , but left-to-right gives the correct answer: 5+3=8 5+3=8 . Always follow order rules!

What if I make a calculation error along the way?

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Double-check each step! Write down intermediate results clearly: 12+6=18, 18-4=14, 14+18=32, 32-12=20. If your final answer seems wrong, go back and verify each calculation.

Is there a shortcut for problems like this?

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You can combine like operations mentally: think of this as (12+6+18)(4+12)=3616=20 (12+6+18) - (4+12) = 36-16 = 20 . But always verify using the standard left-to-right method!

Do I need to show every single step?

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Yes, especially when learning! Showing each step helps you catch errors and proves your understanding. Later, you can combine simple steps mentally, but the foundation is important.

What if I get a different answer?

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Don't panic! Check your arithmetic at each step. Common errors include: 12+6=19 (instead of 18) or 14+18=31 (instead of 32). Slow down and double-check your basic addition and subtraction.

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