Solve the Expression: 45 - 12 + 11 Step by Step

Q: Why can't I add 12 + 11 first since it's easier?

Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so you must work left to right. Changing the order changes the meaning of the expression and gives a wrong answer.

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

Remember PEMDAS! Since there are no parentheses, exponents, or multiplication/division here, just work left to right with the addition and subtraction.

Q: How can I double-check my work?

Try working backwards! Start with your answer $ 44 $, subtract $ 11 $ to get $ 33 $, then add $ 12 $ to verify you get $ 45 $.

Q: Is there a trick to avoid mistakes with mixed operations?

Yes! Rewrite each step as you go: $ 45 - 12 + 11 $ becomes $ 33 + 11 $, then $ 44 $. Writing it out prevents mental math errors.

Q: What would happen if I worked right to left instead?

You'd get the wrong answer! Working right to left gives $ 45 - (12 + 11) = 45 - 23 = 22 $, which is completely different from the correct answer of $ 44 $.

Order of Operations with Mixed Operations

Solve:

$45 - 12 + 11$

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve:

$45 - 12 + 11$

Step-by-step solution

First, perform the subtraction: $45 - 12 = 33$

Next, perform the addition: $33 + 11 = 44$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Order Rule: Work from left to right with same-priority operations
Technique: First calculate 45 - 12 = 33, then 33 + 11
Check: Verify by working backwards: 44 - 11 = 33, then 33 + 12 = 45 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding and subtracting out of order
Don't calculate 12 + 11 = 23 first, then 45 - 23 = 22! This ignores left-to-right order and gives the wrong answer. Always work from left to right when operations have the same priority.

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 12 + 11 first since it's easier?

Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so you must work left to right. Changing the order changes the meaning of the expression and gives a wrong answer.

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

Remember PEMDAS! Since there are no parentheses, exponents, or multiplication/division here, just work left to right with the addition and subtraction.

How can I double-check my work?

Try working backwards! Start with your answer $44$ , subtract $11$ to get $33$ , then add $12$ to verify you get $45$ .

Is there a trick to avoid mistakes with mixed operations?

Yes! Rewrite each step as you go: $45 - 12 + 11$ becomes $33 + 11$ , then $44$ . Writing it out prevents mental math errors.

What would happen if I worked right to left instead?

You'd get the wrong answer! Working right to left gives $45 - (12 + 11) = 45 - 23 = 22$ , which is completely different from the correct answer of $44$ .

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Order of operations for beginners questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime