Solve the Expression: 8 - 2 + 6 Using Basic Arithmetic

Q: Why can't I add 2 + 6 first since it's easier?

Great question! While 2 + 6 = 8 is easier to calculate, you must follow the left-to-right rule for same-level operations. Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so you solve them in order from left to right.

Q: What if I accidentally get 0 as my answer?

Getting 0 usually means you grouped 2 + 6 first, then subtracted from 8. Remember: $ 8 - (2 + 6) $ would give 0, but our expression is $ 8 - 2 + 6 $ without parentheses!

Q: How do I remember the left-to-right rule?

Think of it like reading! You read words from left to right, so solve math the same way. When operations have the same priority (like + and -), always work left to right.

Q: What would happen if there were parentheses?

Parentheses change everything! If you saw $ 8 - (2 + 6) $, you'd solve the parentheses first: $ 8 - 8 = 0 $. But without parentheses, stick to left-to-right order.

Order of Operations with Left-to-Right Arithmetic

$8 - 2 + 6 =$

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Understand the problem

$8 - 2 + 6 =$

Step-by-step solution

Solve the additions and subtractions from left to right:

$8 - 2 = 6$

Then add 6:

$6 + 6 = 12$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Perform addition and subtraction from left to right
Technique: First solve 8 - 2 = 6, then 6 + 6 = 12
Check: Count operations: 8 minus 2 plus 6 equals 12 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding and subtracting in wrong order
Don't solve 2 + 6 first to get 8, then 8 - 8 = 0! This ignores left-to-right order and gives completely wrong results. Always work through addition and subtraction operations from left to right in sequence.

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 2 + 6 first since it's easier?

Great question! While 2 + 6 = 8 is easier to calculate, you must follow the left-to-right rule for same-level operations. Addition and subtraction have equal priority, so you solve them in order from left to right.

What if I accidentally get 0 as my answer?

Getting 0 usually means you grouped 2 + 6 first, then subtracted from 8. Remember: $8 - (2 + 6)$ would give 0, but our expression is $8 - 2 + 6$ without parentheses!

How do I remember the left-to-right rule?

Think of it like reading! You read words from left to right, so solve math the same way. When operations have the same priority (like + and -), always work left to right.

Are there any shortcuts for this type of problem?

Yes! You can think ahead: since you're subtracting 2 and adding 6, that's a net addition of 4. So $8 + 4 = 12$ . But always verify using the left-to-right method!

What would happen if there were parentheses?

Parentheses change everything! If you saw $8 - (2 + 6)$ , you'd solve the parentheses first: $8 - 8 = 0$ . But without parentheses, stick to left-to-right order.

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