Section 6.

PRE-ACTIVITY
Evaluating Expressions
PREPARATION Using the Order of Operations

Sales of admission tickets to the family concert were as follows: 50 adult tickets sold for $5 each, 300 youth
tickets sold for $3 each, and 50 senior citizen tickets sold for $4 each. What was the total of ticket sales in
dollars?
To answer the question, you would simply calculate the revenue from each
type of ticket sold (by multiplying) and then add the three results: 50 × $5
or $250 from the sale of adult tickets, 300 × $3 or $900 from youth tickets,
and 50 × $4 or $200 from senior citizen sales add up to $1350. In other
words, you would follow a sequence of operational steps to arrive at your
answer.
As you progress in your knowledge of mathematics, you will find that the processes you encounter most
frequently will be the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and the evaluation of
exponential expressions. Your success in mathematics builds on your mastery of these basic skills as well as
your ability to apply them in the correct order when several appear in the same mathematical expression.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

• Evaluate expressions using the correct order of operations.

TERMINOLOGY

PREVIOUSLY USED NEW TERMS TO LEARN

evaluate operation order of operations

exponent simplify
expression term

BUILDING MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE

In mathematical language, you can answer the question in the introduction about ticket sales by setting
up and evaluating an expression:
50 × $5 + 300 × $3 + 50 × $4
= $250 + $900 + $200
= $1350

583
584 Chapter 6 — Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations

That is, you follow a sequence of operational steps, multiplying before adding the three components of ticket
sales.
In fact, there is a logical and universally agreed upon mathematical sequence, an order of operations,
used to evaluate any mathematical expression requiring a series of steps. Using this order of operations ensures
the same answer for everyone who evaluates a given expression. It is as follows:

Order of Operations
To evaluate an expression, the simplification process must follow the Order of Operations:
First, simplify the operations within Parentheses.
Then, simplify all numbers with Exponents.
Then, compute Multiplication and Division, left to right as they occur in the expression.
Finally, compute Addition and Subtraction, left to right as they occur in the expression.

METHODOLOGY

Applying the Order of Operations to Simplify an Expression

► Example 1: Simplify: 75 ÷ 5 × 2 + 23 − 4 (11 − 8)2

► Example 2: Simplify: (7 + 2)2 + 5 × 9 − 42 + 12 ÷ 4 Try It!

Steps in the Methodology Example 1 Example 2

Step 1 Use brackets, [ ] or { },

Identify the to identify the terms of [75÷5×2]+[2 3]–[4(11–8)2]
terms. the expression. Recall that
addition and subtraction
signs separate the terms
of an expression.

The expression is written as a fraction with an

Special
expression in either or both the numerator and
Case:
denominator (see page 588, Model 4)
Section 6.3 — Evaluating Expressions Using the Order of Operations 585

Steps in the Methodology Example 1 Example 2

Step 2 Simplify the operation(s)

within Parentheses, if
[75÷5×2]+[2 3]–[4(11–8) 2]
Simplify
operations in there are any, for each
term. =[75÷5×2]+[2 3]–[4(3) 2] P
parentheses.
To assure that you
are doing the steps in
the correct order of
operations, it may be
helpful to label each step
as you compute it.

As each term is simplified

to one number, you
may drop the brackets
surrounding it.

Step 3 Simplify the numbers

with Exponents, if there =[75÷5×2]+[23]–[4(3)2]
Simplify
numbers are any, in each term.
2×2×2 3×3
with
exponents. =[75÷5×2]+ 8 –[4×9] E

Step 4 Compute Multiplication

Mulitply and and Division, left to right =[75÷5×2]+ 8 –[4×9]
Divide left to as they are situated in
right. each term. =[15×2]+ 8 –[4×9]
=[30]+ 8 –[36] M & D

Step 5 Compute Addition and

Add and Subtraction of the = 30+ 8 – 36
Subtract left simplified terms, left to
= 38 – 36
to right. right as they are situated
in the expression. = 2 A & S

Step 6 Present your final answer.

Present the Note: If the answer is in 2
answer. fraction form, reduce it.
586 Chapter 6 — Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations

Suggested Validation when

Applying the Order of Operations

When simplifying an expression with the Order of Operations, you can be fully
confident in your answer only when you apply the correct order as well as do
each computation accurately.

Keeping track of your steps by labeling each one as you go is an effective way
to assure that the order is correct. Validating the accuracy of each computation
as you work through the problem can further assure the accuracy of your final
answer.

The following is a sample validation for Example 1 of the Methodology.

75 ÷ 5 × 2 + 23 − 4(11 − 8)2 Validation

Step 1 [75 ÷ 5 × 2] + [23] − [4(11 − 8)2]

of Step 2
Step 2 = [75 ÷ 5 × 2] + [23] − [4(3)2] P 3 + 8 = 11 9

Step 3 = [75 ÷ 5 × 2] + 8 − [4(9)] E

15×2

of Step 4
30 ÷ 2 = 15
Step 4 = 30 + 8 − 36 M&D 15 × 5 = 75 9
36 ÷ 9 = 4 9

of Step 5
Steps 5 & 6 = 2 Answer A&S 2 + 36 – 8
= 38 – 8 9
= 30 9

Order used: P, E, M & D, A & S

Section 6.3 — Evaluating Expressions Using the Order of Operations 587

MODELS

Model 1

Simplify 4.6 ÷ 2 – (0.5)2 + 2 (8 – 1.5) Validation:

Step 1: Identify the terms:
[4.6 ÷ 2] – [(0.5)2] + [2 (8 – 1.5)]

of Step 2
Step 2: P = [4.6 ÷ 2] – [(0.5)2] + [2 (6.5)] 6.5 + 1.5 = 8 9
0.5 × 0.5

Step 3: E = [4.6 ÷ 2] – [0.25] + [2 (6.5)]

of Step 4
2.3 × 2 = 4.6 9
Step 4: M & D = 2.3 – 0.25 + 13 13.0 ÷ 6.5 = 29

Step 5: A & S, left to right as they occur of Step 5

= 2.05 + 13 15.05 – 13 + 0.25
= 15.05 = 2.05 + 0.25 = 2.30 9
Order: P, E, M&D, A&S 9

Step 6: Answer: 15.05

Model 2

Simplify 5 (–4) – (6 – 1)3 – 7 (–2) Validation:

Step 1: Identify the terms:
[5(–4)] – [(6 – 1)3] – [7 (–2)]

of Step 2
Step 2: P = [5(–4)] – [(5)3] – [7 (–2)] 5+1=6 9
5×5×5
Step 3: E = [5(–4)] – 125 – [7 (–2)]

of Step 4
–20 ÷ (–4) = +5 9
Step 4: M = –20 – 125 – (–14) –14 ÷ (–2) = +7 9

Step 5: S, change all subtraction to addition of Step 5

= –20 + (–125) + (+14) –131 + (–14) + 125
= –145 + (+14) = –145 + 125 = –20 9
= –131 Order: P, E, M, S 9

Step 6: Answer: –131

588 Chapter 6 — Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations

Model 3
⎛1⎞
2
2 3
Simplify: ⎜⎜⎜ ⎟⎟⎟ + − × 10 Validation:
⎝ 2⎠ 3 5
⎡⎛ 1 ⎞2 ⎤
Step 1: ⎢⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎥ + ⎡⎢ 2 ⎤⎥ − ⎡⎢ 3 × 10⎤⎥
⎢⎜⎜⎝ 2 ⎟⎠ ⎥ ⎢⎣ 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 5 ⎥⎦
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
Step 2: skip this step—no operations inside Parentheses
1 1
×
2 2
1 ⎡2⎤ ⎡3 ⎤ 2
of Step 4
Step 3: E = + ⎢ ⎥ − ⎢ × 10⎥ 3
×
10 6
= =6
4 ⎢⎣ 3 ⎥⎦ ⎢⎣ 5 ⎥⎦ 1
5 1 1 6 3
6 ÷ 10 = = 9
1 ⎡2⎤ 10 5
Step 4: M = + ⎢ ⎥ − 6
4 ⎢⎣ 3 ⎥⎦
of Step 5
Step 5: A & S, left to right as they occur 1 11
–5 +6 = +
12 12
1 2 3 8 11 11 1 11 72 11 ⎛⎜ 72 ⎞⎟
+ = + = = − 6 = −5 − = + ⎜− ⎟ 11 2 11 8
4 3 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 ⎜⎝ 12 ⎟⎠ − = −
11 + (−72) 61 1 12 3 12 12
= = − = −5
1 12 12 12 3 1
Step 6: Answer : – 5 = = 9
12 12 4
Order: E, M, A & S 9

Special Case: The Expression is Written as a Fraction with an Expression

Model 4
in Either or Both the Numerator and Denominator

4 (2 − 7) − 2 (5 − 2)
►
A Simplify:
−10 − 2 − 1

The fraction bar indicates that the numerator and denominator are to be treated as two separate
expressions. Simplify each expression separately, following the Order of Operations procedure;
then reduce the resulting fraction, paying careful attention to the correct sign of the answer.

⎡4 (2 –7)⎤ − ⎡2 (5 –2)⎤ Validation:

Step 1: Identify the terms: ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
−10 − 2 − 1 of Step 2
–5 + 7 = 2 9
⎡4 (– 5)⎤ − ⎡2 (3)⎤
Step 2: P = ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦ 3+2=59
−10 − 2 − 1
Step 3: no Exponents, skip this step of Step 4
−20 − 6 –20 ÷ (–5) = +4 9
Step 4: M = 6 ÷ 3 = 29
−10 − 2 − 1
of Step 5
−20 + (−6) −26 –26 + 6 = –20 9
Step 5: S change to addition = =
−10 + (−2) + (−1) −13 –13 + 1 + 2
= –12 + 2 = –10 9
Step 6: Reduce: −26 = +2 Answer: 2 Order: P, M, S 9
−13
Section 6.3 — Evaluating Expressions Using the Order of Operations 589
3 (5) + 32 + 3 (−7)
►
B Simplify:
−14 − 2 (−1)
Validation:

⎡3 (5)⎤ + ⎡32 ⎤ + ⎡⎣3 (−7)⎤⎦

⎣ ⎦ ⎢⎣ ⎥⎦
Step 1: Identify the terms:
[−14] − ⎡2 (−1)⎤
⎣ ⎦
Step 2: skip this step—no operations inside Parentheses
3× 3
of Step 4
⎡3 (5)⎤ + 9 + ⎡3 (−7)⎤
Step 3: E = ⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦ 15 ÷ 5 = 3 9
[ ] ⎡ ⎤
− 14 − ⎣ ( )⎦
2 − 1 –21 ÷ (–7) = +3 9
–2 ÷ (–1) = +2 9
Step 4: M 15 + 9 + (−21)
= of Step 5
−14 − (−2)
3 – (–21) – 9
+3 3
Step 5: A & S = = = 3 + (+21) + (–9)
−14 + (+2) −12 =24 + (–9) = 15 9
–12 + (–2) = –14 9
Step 6: Reduce: 3 3 1 1 Order: E, M, A & S 9
=− =− Answer : –
−12 12 4 4

ADDRESSING COMMON ERRORS

Incorrect
Issue Resolution Correct Process Validation
Process

Incorrectly Simplify: Insert brackets to Simplify:

identifying the separate the terms.
terms of an 52 − 2 (−3 + 9) – [2 (−3 + 9)]
[52] −
expression = 5 − 2 ((6)
2 The terms of an
expression are = [52] −
– [2 (6)] P 6 − 9 = −3 9
=2
25−
− 2 (6)
6 separated by addition 5×5

= 23
3 (6
(6)
6) and subtraction signs. – [2 (6)]
= 25 − E

= 138
– 12
= 25 − M 12 ÷ 6 = 2 9
Simplify each term
separately. = 13 S 13 +12 = 25 9
PEMS,
correct order

Not multiplying Simplify: When multiplication and Simplify:

and dividing division occur within the 3(−24) ÷ 6 (4) –48÷4×6÷(–24)
in the correct 3(−24)
−24
2 ÷ 6 (4)
24) same term, follow the
order when order of operations for This is a single term = –12×6÷(–24)
= –7
–72 ÷ 24
2 (no addition or
simplifying a that term, multiplying = –72÷(–24)
term in which and dividing left to subtraction signs).
= –3 =39
they both right. Left to right:
occur
= –72 ÷ 6 (4)
= –12 (4)
= –48
590 Chapter 6 — Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations

Incorrect
Issue Resolution Correct Process Validation
Process

Not adding and Evaluate: Once the terms have all Evaluate:
subtracting been simplified to one
6 − 13
1 +8 – 13 +
6 − + 8
from left to number each, addition
right in the and subtraction must Left to right:
= 6 − 13 + 8
final step be done left to right as

}
= 6 + (–13) + 8
= 6 − 21 they occur to comply
with the Order of = –7 + 8
= −15 Operations.
= +1 1 − 8 + 13
At this point, unless = 1 + (−8) + 13
you convert each = −7 + 13
subtraction to addition =69
of the opposite,
you cannot use the
Associative Property for
Addition.

That is, for example,

6–13+8 ‡ 6–(13+8)

Making Simplify: Making arithmetic and/ Simplify:

arithmetic or sign errors in any
and/or sign –2(–8
–8
8 + 3) + 6 step will, of course, + 6
–2 (–8 + 3) +
errors ultimately result in an –5 – 3
= –2
2 (5)) + 6 [–2 (–8 + 3)] + 6
incorrect answer. = –5 + (–3)
= –10 + 6 = [–2 (–5)] + 6 P = –8 9
Validate each step as
= –4 you work through the = +10 + 6 M 10 ÷ (–5) = –29
problem, so as not to
carry through an earlier = 16 A 16 – 6 = 10 9
error.
Order: P, M, A 9

PREPARATION INVENTORY
Before proceeding, you should have an understanding of each of the following:

the terminology and notation associated with order of operations problems

the purpose for an agreed upon Order of Operations

how to apply the Order of Operations to simplify an expression with multiple operations

validation techniques for Order of Operations problems

 Section 6.3
Evaluating Expressions
ACTIVITY Using the Order of Operations

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
• Evaluating expressions
– accuracy
– documentation of steps

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS

1. What is the order of operations to follow when evaluating an expression?

2. What is the purpose of the Order of Operations?

3. How can you identify the terms of an expression? Do all expressions have terms?

4. When computing a series of multiplication and division operations within a single term, in what order must
they be done?

591
592 Chapter 6 — Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations

5. In computing a series of addition and subtraction operations, in what order must they be done and why?

6. What is a strategy you can use to validate an order of operations problem?

7. Why do you think the operations in parentheses are done before exponents and the exponents before
multiplication and division?

8. Why do you think multiplication and division are done before addition and subtraction when simplifying an
expression?
Section 6.3 — Evaluating Expressions Using the Order of Operations 593

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Separate terms with brackets and/or highlight the addition and subtraction signs separating the terms.
• Once identified, terms can be simplified simultaneously (for example, if several terms have an exponent to
evaluate).
• To assure accuracy, bring the entire expression down to the next line with each simplification.
• Label which step you are doing to document and assure the correct order. (P, E, M or D, A or S)
• Validate each step for computational accuracy.
• When you simplify an expression that begins as a fraction of two expressions,
→if the answer can be converted to an integer, it must be presented as an integer. For example, 4 = −2
−2
→if the answer simplifies to a negative number over a negative number, the final answer is positive.

For example, −2 = + 2 or 2 (A negative number divided by a negative number is always positive.)

−3 3 3

DEMONSTRATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Simplify each of the following expressions:

Expression Validation (optional)

1) 16 – 23 ÷ 4 (2)

2) 32 × 5 ÷ 9 + 82 – 7

3) 100 ÷ 4 × 5 + 10
594 Chapter 6 — Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations

Expression Validation (optional)

4) 7 × 8 – 5 + 62

5) –6 (9) – (12 – 8) ÷ 2

6) –3 (4 + 6)2 – 5 (3 – 8)2

7) –2 (5.2 – 1.3) + (2.2)2 – 1

8) (7.1)2 – (19.1 + 25.9) + 2 (0.2) – 12.3

Section 6.3 — Evaluating Expressions Using the Order of Operations 595

Expression Validation (optional)

2
5 ⎛ 3 1 ⎞ ⎛2 ⎞
9) ÷ ⎜⎜ + ⎟⎟⎟ − ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟⎟
12 ⎜⎝ 8 4 ⎠ ⎜⎝ 3 ⎠

16 − 3 (7)
10)
−8 + 3 (−4)

15 − 32
11)
−14 − 2 (−1)

14 − 5 (−2)
12)
3 (−1) − 10
596 Chapter 6 — Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations

TEAM EXERCISES
1. Simplify: 8 + 4 – 3 + 2 × 12 – 18 – 52

2. Change the same sequence of numbers and signs by adding one set of parentheses so that the simplified
answer to your new expression is –28.
8 + 4 – 3 + 2 × 12 – 18 – 52

3. Devise a real-life problem that would require applying the Order of Operations to solve.

IDENTIFY AND CORRECT THE ERRORS

Identify the error(s) in the following worked solutions. If the worked solution is correct, write “Correct” in the
second column. If the worked solution is incorrect, solve the problem correctly in the third column. You can
validate your work in the fourth column.

Worked Solution Validation

Identify the Errors Correct Process
What is Wrong Here? (optional)

1) Simplify: Did not follow order 2 − 3(5 + 4 ) Order P, M, A 9

of operations = 2 − [3(5 + 4 )]
2 – 3 (5 + 4)
P, E, M&D, A&S.
= 2 − [3(9)] P 9 −4 = 5 9
Added 2 and –3 = 2 − 27 M 27 ÷ 9 = 3 9
before multiplying.
= 2 + (−27) A −25 + 27 = +2 9
The two terms are = −25
2 and 3(5+4).
Answer: –25
Section 6.3 — Evaluating Expressions Using the Order of Operations 597

Worked Solution Validation

Identify the Errors Correct Process
What is Wrong Here? (optional)

2) Simplify:
–24 ÷ (–3) (–4)

3) Simplify:
–32 × 2 –(16 – 9) + 6 ÷ 3

4) Simplify:
2
−3 + 5 − (−2)
16 ÷ (−4) + 2
598 Chapter 6 — Signed Numbers, Exponents, and Order of Operations

Worked Solution Validation

Identify the Errors Correct Process
What is Wrong Here? (optional)

5) Simplify:
(0.04)2 + 6.3 – (15 – 4.7)

6) Simplify:
−2 (−7) − 3 (5) − 1
23 (3) + 5 (−6)
Section 6.3 — Evaluating Expressions Using the Order of Operations 599

ADDITIONAL EXERCISES

Simplify each of the following expressions:

1. 15 – 10 ÷ 5 × 2

2. –3 (5 – 9) – 5 (3 – 6)

−3 ( 4 − 7 ) − 5 ( 7 − 2)
3.
−5 − 2 − 1

4. 16 – 4(–2)2 – (8 – 10)2

5. 3 (4 – 6) + 2 (1 + 3)2 – 33 ÷ (14 – 11)

6. (0.2)3 + 0.5 × (0.3 + 6.5)

7. (2.1)2 – 7.5 + 3 (0.63 + 0.27)

⎛ 2⎞
5 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟⎟ − 32
8. ⎜⎝ 5 ⎠
16 − (−5)

−4 (2) + 18
9.
−16 − 2 (7)

26 −14 (1− 3)
2

10.
50 + 5 (−4)

7 ⎛⎜ 1 ⎞⎟ 1 1
3
11. +⎜ ⎟ × − ÷ 3
8 ⎜⎝ 2 ⎟⎠ 3 2

12. (–2)3 + (–6)2 × (5 – 8) ÷ (–2)