Solve the Expression: Evaluating 18-(3+3) Step by Step

Order of Operations with Parentheses Priority

Solve the following equation:

18(3+3)= 18-(3+3)=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve the following expression
00:04 Always solve the parentheses first
00:08 Continue to solve the expression
00:11 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following equation:

18(3+3)= 18-(3+3)=

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's begin by simplifying the expression following the order of operations.

P- PARENTHESES

E-EXPONENTS

D-DIVISION

A-ADDITION

S-SUBTRACTION

18(3+3)=186=12 18-(3+3)= \\ 18-6= \\ 12

Therefore the correct answer is answer D.

3

Final Answer

12

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • PEMDAS Rule: Always solve parentheses first, then proceed left to right
  • Technique: Calculate 3+3=6, then subtract: 18-6=12
  • Check: Verify by working backwards: 12+6=18, and 6=(3+3) ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring parentheses and calculating left to right
    Don't calculate 18-3+3=18 by going left to right = wrong answer of 18! This ignores the parentheses which change the order completely. Always solve what's inside parentheses first, then continue.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following equation:

\( 30 - (10 + 7) = \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

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

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Mathematics has a specific order of operations (PEMDAS) that's different from reading! Parentheses always come first, no matter where they appear in the expression.

What if there are multiple sets of parentheses?

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Solve each set of parentheses separately first, then proceed with the rest of the expression. Work from the innermost parentheses outward if they're nested.

Is 18-(3+3) the same as 18-3+3?

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No! The parentheses make a huge difference: 18(3+3)=186=12 18-(3+3) = 18-6 = 12 but 183+3=15+3=18 18-3+3 = 15+3 = 18

How do I remember the order of operations?

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Use the acronym PEMDAS: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally. It stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.

What happens if I forget to do parentheses first?

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You'll get the wrong answer! In this problem, skipping parentheses gives you 18 instead of the correct answer 12. Always double-check for parentheses before starting any calculation.

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