Solve the Expression: 14 + 2 - 8 + 3 Step by Step

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

Because order matters in mathematics! Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so you must work left to right. Changing the order can give wrong answers in other problems.

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

Remember: when operations have the same priority (like + and -), always go left to right. Think of it like reading a sentence - start at the beginning!

Q: How do I keep track of my steps?

Write each step clearly:$ 14 + 2 - 8 + 3 $$ 16 - 8 + 3 $$ 8 + 3 $$ 11 $

Q: What if the expression had multiplication or division too?

Then you'd use PEMDAS! Do multiplication and division first (left to right), then addition and subtraction (left to right). But this problem only has + and -, so work left to right.

Q: Is there a quick way to check my answer?

Yes! Use a calculator or add up the numbers in your head: positive numbers (14 + 2 + 3 = 19) minus negative numbers (8), so 19 - 8 = 11. This matches our step-by-step answer!

Order of Operations with Mixed Addition and Subtraction

$14+2-8+3=$

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Understand the problem

$14+2-8+3=$

Step-by-step solution

To solve $14+2-8+3$ :

Start with the first operation: $14 + 2 = 16$ .
Next, perform the subtraction: $16 - 8 = 8$ .
Finally, add 3: $8 + 3 = 11$ .

So, the correct answer is $11$ .

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Work left to right when operations have same priority
Technique: Calculate step by step: 14 + 2 = 16, then 16 - 8 = 8
Check: Final calculation 8 + 3 = 11 matches the correct answer ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding all positive numbers first, then subtracting
Don't calculate 14 + 2 + 3 = 19, then subtract 8 to get 11! This ignores proper order and can give wrong answers with different numbers. Always work strictly from left to right with 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?

Because order matters in mathematics! Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so you must work left to right. Changing the order can give wrong answers in other problems.

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

Remember: when operations have the same priority (like + and -), always go left to right. Think of it like reading a sentence - start at the beginning!

How do I keep track of my steps?

Write each step clearly:

$14 + 2 - 8 + 3$
$16 - 8 + 3$
$8 + 3$
$11$

What if the expression had multiplication or division too?

Then you'd use PEMDAS! Do multiplication and division first (left to right), then addition and subtraction (left to right). But this problem only has + and -, so work left to right.

Is there a quick way to check my answer?

Yes! Use a calculator or add up the numbers in your head: positive numbers (14 + 2 + 3 = 19) minus negative numbers (8), so 19 - 8 = 11. This matches our step-by-step answer!

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