Solve the Expression: 55-(8+21) Using Order of Operations

Order of Operations with Parentheses

55(8+21)= 55-(8+21)=

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Step-by-step video solution

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00:00 Solve
00:03 Always solve parentheses first
00:09 Now let's continue solving as usual
00:12 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

55(8+21)= 55-(8+21)=

2

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, we first solve the exercise within parentheses:

8+21=29 8+21=29

Now we obtain the exercise:

5529=26 55-29=26

3

Final Answer

26 26

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • PEMDAS Rule: Parentheses come first before any other operations
  • Technique: Calculate 8+21=29 inside parentheses, then subtract: 55-29=26
  • Check: Verify by redoing parentheses first: (8+21)=29, then 55-29=26 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Computing from left to right without parentheses
    Don't solve 55-8+21=68! This ignores parentheses and gives the wrong answer. The parentheses change the order completely. Always solve what's inside parentheses first, then continue with remaining operations.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 100-(5+55)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just work from left to right like reading?

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Mathematics has special rules called the order of operations! Unlike reading, we must follow PEMDAS - Parentheses first, then other operations. This ensures everyone gets the same answer.

What if there were no parentheses in this problem?

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Without parentheses, 558+21 55-8+21 would equal 68 because we'd work left to right: 55-8=47, then 47+21=68. The parentheses completely change the answer!

Do I always solve parentheses first, even with multiplication?

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Yes, always! Parentheses are the first priority in PEMDAS, even before multiplication or division. No matter what operations are outside, solve parentheses first.

How can I remember to do parentheses first?

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Think of parentheses as "math containers" - you must empty the container (solve what's inside) before you can use it in the bigger calculation. The P in PEMDAS stands for Parentheses!

What if I get a different answer when checking?

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If your check doesn't match, you likely skipped the parentheses step. Start over and make sure you calculate 8+21=29 8+21=29 first, then subtract from 55.

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