How to Solve 12 + (8 × 2) - 3: A Simple Breakdown

Let's Break it Down: Order of Operations

Alright, let's tackle the expression 12 + (8 × 2) - 3 together, shall we? To those preparing for the GED math, mastering these expressions is crucial, and trust me, it’s not as daunting as it seems!

Get in Order with PEMDAS

If you’ve heard of PEMDAS, you’ll know that it stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). It’s your golden rule in math! Think of it as your roadmap that keeps you on track.

So let’s break this down step by step:

1. Look at Parentheses First The first thing you want to do is see what’s inside your parentheses. In our expression, we have (8 × 2). Now, multiplying 8 and 2 gives you 16. So we rewrite our expression:

   12 + 16 - 3

2. Time for Some Addition Next, we perform addition. Remember, when you have both addition and subtraction, addition comes before subtraction. Here, we add:

   12 + 16 = 28

3. Last But Not Least: Subtraction
   Now, it's time to subtract. So we have:

   28 - 3 = 25

And There You Have It

Based on our work, the value of the expression is 25, meaning option A is correct! Pretty straightforward, right? You know what? Once you get the hang of these steps, you'll breezily tackle similar problems in no time.

Why Order of Operations Matters

This isn’t just for tests, though; understanding the order of operations will help you in everyday math, whether you're calculating a tip at a restaurant or figuring out how much paint you need for a room. It’s like having a secret weapon in your math toolkit.

Common Pitfalls

It’s all too easy to rush through and either miss the parentheses or jumble up addition and subtraction. So take a second to breathe. You got this! Always remember to stick to the order – math outside of the classroom can often feel chaotic, and this structured approach will give you a sense of control, making calculations clear and approachable.

Wrapping It Up

Now that we’ve gone through this, give it a try with some other expressions. Practice is key! Who knows, you might find a hidden love for numbers in the process. Keep shining bright on your journey to acing that GED math test – every little bit helps! So, what's the next expression you’ll conquer?