Solve 24÷(2×(16×(2+1))): Complex Order of Operations Problem

Order of Operations with Nested Parentheses

Solve the following problem:

24:(2×(16×(2+1)))= 24:(2\times(16\times(2+1)))=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve
00:03 Always solve parentheses first, the rule applies even within parentheses
00:07 Calculate the most "inner" parentheses first
00:15 Write division as a fraction
00:21 Break down 24 into factors 3 and 8
00:35 Simplify what we can
00:42 Break down 16 into factors 8 and 2
00:50 Simplify what we can
00:59 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

24:(2×(16×(2+1)))= 24:(2\times(16\times(2+1)))=

2

Step-by-step solution

Recall the order of operations: Parentheses precede all other operations, followed by multiplication and division (from left to right), and finally addition and subtraction (from left to right)

When there are parentheses within parentheses, we start with the innermost ones first.

24:(2×(16×(2+1)))= 24:(2\times(16\times(2+1)))=

In this exercise, there are addition operations in the inner parentheses, and the rest of the exercise includes multiplication and division operations and parentheses within parentheses.

Therefore, we will first perform the operation in the inner parentheses, and after calculating we can remove the inner parentheses. We'll continue doing this until there are no more parentheses in the exercise.

At each step in solving operations within parentheses, we'll make sure to follow the order of operations

24:(2×(16×(2+1)))=24:(2×(16×(3)))= 24:(2\times(16\times(2+1)))= 24:(2\times(16\times(3)))=

24:(2×(16×(3)))=24:(2×(16×3))= 24:(2\times(16\times(3)))= 24:(2\times(16\times3))=

Note - In the inner parentheses there was only addition operation, hence we followed the order of operations when we solved this operation first and not the multiplication and division operations

Now we'll perform the operation in the remaining parentheses and after calculating it we'll remove the parentheses entirely:

24:(2×(16×3))=24:(2×(48))= 24:(2\times(16\times3))=24:(2\times(48)) =
24:(2×(48))=24:(2×48)= 24:(2\times(48)) =24:(2\times48) =

Once again we'll perform the operation in the remaining parentheses and after calculating it we'll remove the parentheses entirely:

24:(2×48)=24:(96)= 24:(2\times48) = 24:(96) =

24:(96)=24:96= 24:(96) = 24:96 =

Shown below is the solution that we obtained expressed as a fraction. Proceed to reduce it.

24:96=2496= 24:96=\frac{24}{96}=

The largest number by which we can reduce the fraction is 24

2496=24:2496:24= \frac{24}{96}=\frac{24:24}{96:24}=

Let's solve

24:2496:24=14 \frac{24:24}{96:24}= \frac{1}{4}

Therefore the answer is section a -

(14) (\frac{1}{4})

3

Final Answer

14 \frac{1}{4}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Work from innermost parentheses outward, following PEMDAS order
  • Technique: Solve (2+1) = 3 first, then 16×3 = 48
  • Check: Final answer 14 \frac{1}{4} equals 0.25 when converted to decimal ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring parentheses order and working left to right
    Don't solve 24÷2 first = 12×(16×(2+1)) = wrong structure! This breaks the grouping and changes the entire calculation. Always start with the innermost parentheses and work outward.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 100-(5+55)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I start with (2+1) when there's multiplication outside?

+

Parentheses always come first! Even though multiplication normally comes before addition, the parentheses change the order. You must solve all operations inside parentheses before doing anything outside them.

How do I keep track of all these nested parentheses?

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Work from the inside out like peeling an onion! Find the innermost parentheses first: (2+1). After solving it, remove those parentheses and find the next innermost group.

Can I solve 24÷2 first since division comes before parentheses?

+

No! The division symbol ÷ (or :) means you're dividing 24 by the entire expression that follows. You must solve (2×(16×(2+1))) (2\times(16\times(2+1))) completely first.

Why does my calculator give a different answer?

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Make sure you're entering the expression correctly! Use enough parentheses: 24÷(2×(16×(2+1))). Many calculators need extra parentheses to group operations properly.

How do I reduce the fraction 24/96?

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Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of 24 and 96. Both numbers divide by 24: 24÷2496÷24=14 \frac{24÷24}{96÷24} = \frac{1}{4}

Is there a shorter way to solve this?

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Not really! With nested parentheses, you must work step-by-step from inside out. Trying to skip steps leads to errors. Slow and steady wins the race!

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