Evaluate the expression inside the parenthesis: 8 − 4 = 4 .
Multiply 3 by the result from the parenthesis: 3 × 4 = 12 .
Multiply 2 by 5.5: 2 × 5.5 = 11 .
Add the results of the multiplications: 12 + 11 = 23 .
The simplified value of the expression is 23 .
Explanation
Understanding the problem We are asked to simplify the expression 3 ( 8 − 4 ) + 2 × 5.5 . To do this, we will follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS).
Evaluating the parenthesis First, we evaluate the expression inside the parenthesis: 8 − 4 = 4 .
Performing multiplications Next, we perform the multiplication operations. We have 3 × 4 = 12 and 2 × 5.5 = 11 .
Adding the results Finally, we add the results of the multiplications: 12 + 11 = 23 .
Examples
Understanding order of operations is crucial in many real-life scenarios, such as calculating expenses or determining the outcome of a series of events. For instance, if you buy 3 items that cost $4 each and then add a service fee of $5.50 twice, the total cost can be calculated as $3 \times 4 + 2 \times 5.50 = 12 + 11 = $23. This demonstrates how the correct application of order of operations ensures accurate financial calculations.
The simplified value of the expression 3 ( 8 − 4 ) + 2 × 5.5 is 23 . This is calculated by first evaluating the expression within the parentheses, performing the multiplications, and then adding the results together. Following the order of operations ensures the correct answer.
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