ORDER OF OPERATIONS: Example 2

Rule 23:

The parenthesis instruct you to simplify the expression within the parenthesis before you proceed. The division symbol has the same role as the parenthesis. It instructs you to treat the quantity above the numerator as if it were enclosed in a parenthesis, and to treat the quantity below the numerator as if it were enclosed in yet another parenthesis.

Example 2: Calculate and reduce.

Answer: The answer is .

Solution:

A common mistake is to cancel the 3's. That is why during the review of fraction that we have you look for the number one. The division symbol takes the place of a parenthesis. Therefore, this problem has two parenthesis that must be removed. The numerator must be simplified, and the denominator must be simplified. The numerator can be simplified to 5. The denominator can be simplified to 8. The problem can now be written .

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