Simplify (Brackets and Braces)

[Psychguy98]

2 + 3 {2 +4 [6 +4 (2 +1)] } I am not getting the answer of 224. I know to work from the inside out. Parenthesis first, then brackets, then braces.

 

[stapel]

2 + 3 {2 +4 [6 +4 (2 +1)] } I am not getting the answer of 224.

Please reply showing your steps and what you are getting, so that we can try to help you find your error.

Thank you! :wink:

 

[Psychguy98]

2 + 3 {2 +4 [6 +4 (2 +1)] }

2 + 3 { 2 + 4 [ 6 + 4 (3) ] }

2 + 3 { 2 + 4 [ 10 (3) ] }

2 + 3 { 6 [ 10 (3) ] }

5 { 6 [10 (3) ] } I'm not sure where I am making a mistake?

 

[soroban]

Hello, Psychguy98!

Only three mistakes . . .

\(\displaystyle 2 + 3\{2 +4 [6 +4(2 +1)]\}\)

\(\displaystyle = \; 2 + 3[2 + 4(6 + 4\cdot3)]\)

\(\displaystyle =\; 2 + 3 [2 + 4(10\cdot 3)]\)
. . . . . . . . . . ?

\(\displaystyle =\; 2 + 3[6 (10\cdot3)]\}\)
. . = . . .?

\(\displaystyle =\; 5 [ 6 (10\cdot3 ) ]\)
. . ?

I'm not sure where I am making a mistake?

Multiplication before addition!

 

[Psychguy98]

2 + 3{2 + 4[6 + 4(3)]}
2 + 3(2 + 4[6 + 12])
2 + 3(2 + 4[18]) Like this?

 

[Denis]

2 + 3(2 + 4[18]) Like this?

YES. Then 2 + 3(2 + 72) ... carry on

 

[Psychguy98]

2 + 3(2 + 72)

2+ 3(74)

2 + 222 = 224

 

[Denis]

2 + 3(2 + 72)
2+ 3(74)
2 + 222 = 224

YAHOO!! :idea:

Btw, can we know what your background is mathwise?
Would make it easier for us to help.

 

[Psychguy98]

Sorry, I have taken pre-calculus back in spring 2005 and business statistics in fall 2006 at Farmingdale State College in New York. I actually did well in those courses, however it was certainly a struggle! Now it's coming back to haunt me. :roll: I just need a refresher.