Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Order of Operations
The order of operations is a set of rules that dictates the sequence in which mathematical operations should be performed to ensure consistent results. The common acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction) helps remember this order. Following these rules is crucial when evaluating expressions to avoid errors.
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Exponents
Exponents represent repeated multiplication of a number by itself. For example, (-2)³ means -2 multiplied by itself three times, resulting in -8. Understanding how to calculate exponents is essential for simplifying expressions that include powers, as they can significantly affect the outcome of the evaluation.
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Negative Numbers
Negative numbers are values less than zero and can affect calculations in various ways, especially when involved in operations like addition, subtraction, and exponentiation. For instance, subtracting a negative number is equivalent to adding its positive counterpart. Recognizing how to handle negative numbers is vital for accurately evaluating expressions that include them.
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