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

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.

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

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

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

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 $44$.